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THE BLESSING OF DAILY STUDY

"The beauty and riches of the word have a transforming influence on

mind and character."—Christ's

Object Lessons,

page 132.

"There is nothing more calculated to strengthen the intellect than the

study of the Scriptures. No other book is so potent to elevate the thoughts,

to give vigor to the faculties, as the broad, ennobling truths of the Bible.

If God's word were studied as it should be, men would have a breadth of

mind, a nobility of character, and a stability of purpose rarely seen in

these

times."—Steps to Christ,

page go.

"The more you search the Scriptures with humble hearts, the greater will

be your interest. . . . Every day you should learn something new from the

Scriptures."—Testimonies, vol.

5, p. 266.

My Daily Lesson Study Pledge

As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge of the Scriptures, I

pledge myself to the careful and prayerful study of some portion of my

Sabbath school lesson each day of the week.

Name



LESSON TITLES FOR THE QUARTER

r. The Law and the Gospel

The Decalogue

No Other Gods

True Worship

The Holy Name

Creation's Memorial

Parents and Children

The Gift of Life

Pure in Heart and Life

ro. Honesty in All Things

r. Truthful Lips

12.

Holy Contentment

13.

The Supreme Motive

Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, No. 261, July-September, 1960. 20 cents a single copy, 75 cents

year (four issues) ; no additional charge to countries requiring extra postage. Published in the

U.S.A. by Pacific Press Publishing Association (a corporation of S.D.A.), 1350 Villa Street,

Mountain View, California. Second-class mail privileges authorized at Mountain View, California.

When a change of address is desired, please be sure to send both old and new addresses.

Printed in U.S.A.

Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly

STUDIES ON THE LAW OF GOD

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

As presented in these lessons, the expres-

sion "law of God" refers particularly to the

Decalogue, or Ten Commandments. The

Bible writers often use the same expression

when speaking of all the revealed will of

God, including, of course, the Decalogue

itself. Inasmuch as the Decalogue is a part

of God's revealed will, and in fact sums up

all the moral principles of His righteous will,

passages of Scripture that use the expres-

sion "law of God" in its broader sense are

particularly appropriate to the Ten Com-

mandments. The principle of obedience to

God's revealed will is as applicable to the

church today as it was to Israel of old.

As God's commandment-keeping church

in these • last days, Seventh-day Adventists

can well spend thirteen weeks in a study of

the great underlying principles of God's law

and become newly aware of the difference

between the letter of the law and the spirit

of the law.

The law of God "is a transcript of His

own character."—Christ's

Object Lessons,

page 315. Therefore, in this study we

should see not merely ten do's and don't's,

but the love, mercy, justice, and goodness

of God Himself. May our hearts respond

in love to Him, and may our love be evi-

denced by more faithful obedience, for He

has told us, "If ye love Me, keep My com-

mandments." John 14:15.

Lesson 1, for July 2, 1960

The Law and the Gospel

MEMORY VERSE:

"For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the

flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin,

condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled

in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Rom. 8:3, 4.

STUDY HELPS:

"Patriarchs and Prophets," chapters 2 to 4; "The Seventh-day Ad-

ventist Bible Commentary," on Scripture references; Lesson Help in "Review

and Herald" of June 16.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey.

❑

Sunday: Questions 1, 2; begin

reading from Study Helps.



❑

Monday: Questions 3-5.

Check Here

Tuesday: Questions 6-9.



❑

Wednesday: Questions 10-14.

Thursday: Read Study Helps.

Friday: Review entire lessen.

[3]

Lesson Outline:

I. An Ordered Universe

Origin and operation of physical

universe. Heb. 11:3, first part;

Isa. 40:26.

Man dependent upon God. Acts

17:28; Deut. 30:19, second part.

II. God's Beneficent Provision

Law points out sin. Ps. 119:104;

Rom. 3:20, last part.

Conscience convicts of sin. John

8:9; 1 John 3:21.

Fate of those who heed not the law

or conscience. Prov. 15:9, first part;

Ps. 37:38.

III. Sin and Redemption

6. Adam's disobedience led to all

men's being sinners. Rom. 5:12 ;

3:23.

Redemption made possible through

Christ. Rom. 3:24-26.

The free gift of righteousness.

Rom. 5:18, 19; 1 John 1:9.

God sent His Son to condemn

sin. Rom. 8:3, 4.

IV. The Righteous Remnant

10.

Faith and obedience characterize

the remnant. Heb. 11:8; Acts 6:7;

Rev. 14:12.

11.

God will judge in righteousness.

Acts 17:31.

12.

Belief or unbelief, basis of justi-

fication or condemnation. John

3:18.

13.

Reward of the righteous. Rom.

6:22.

14.

The law to be written in hearts of

redeemed. Heb. 10:15, 16.

THE LESSON

God's Beneficent Provision

3. What beneficent provision has

God made that man may know the

way of life? Ps. 119:104; Rom. 3:20,

last part.

An Ordered Universe

1. How did the physical universe

originate? What is the secret of its

harmonious operation? Heb. 11:3,

first part; Isa. 40:26.

NOTE.

-"Everything

in nature, from the

mote in the sunbeam to the worlds on high,

is under law. And upon obedience to these

laws the order and harmony of the natural

world

depend."-Thoughts From the Mount

of Blessing,

1956 ed., p. 48.

2. To whom does man owe his life?

Upon what is his well-being depend-

ent? Acts 17:28; Deut. 30:19, second

part.

NOTE.-"There are great principles of

righteousness to control the life of all in-

telligent beings, and upon conformity to

these principles the well-being of the uni-

verse depends."Thoughts

From the Mount

ot Blessing,

page 48.

NoTE.-As used

Psalm 119:104 and

Romans 3:20 the words "precepts" and

"law" refer to all the revealed will of God

concerning man, including the Decalogue.

Generally speaking, the same is true of

these terms as used elsewhere in Scripture.

"Without the law, men have no just con-

ception of the purity and holiness of God

or of their own guilt and uncleanness. They

have no true conviction of sin and feel no

need of repentance."-The

Great Contro-

versy,

page 468.

4. By what means does God make

man conscious of his deviation from

the law- of • God? John 8:9; 1 John

3:21.

NOTE.

-"This

daily review of

our•

acts,

to see whether conscience • approyes or. con-

]

There could be no accurate course for man-made

satellites if there were not laws in the universe.

demns, is necessary for all who wish to ar-

rive at the perfection of Christian charac-

ter."—Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 512.

What is the inevitable fate of

those who reject God's counsel? Prov.

15:9, first part; Ps. 37:38.

NOTE.—"A

signpost was erected by God

for those journeying through this world.

One arm of this signpost pointed out will-

ing obedience to the Creator as the road to

felicity and life, while the other arm indi-

cated disobedience as the path to misery

and

death."—Prophets and Kings,

page

179.

Sin and Redemption

In earth's earliest days what

tragedy befell the human race, and

how far-reaching have been its conse-

quences? Rom. 5:12; 3:23.

NOTE.—"By venturing to disregard the

will of God upon one point, our first par-

ents opened the floodgates of woe upon the

world. And every individual who follows

their example will reap a similar result."

—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,

page 52.

Since the law of God could not

be set aside, to what task did God set

Himself? Rom. 3:24-26.

What gracious provision did

God make whereby the guilt of trans-

gression might be removed? Rom. 5:

18, 19; 1 John 1:9.

NoTE.—"The broken law of God de-

manded the life of the sinner. In all the

universe there was but one who could, in

behalf of man, satisfy its claims. Since the

divine law is as sacred as God Himself,

only one equal with God could make atone-

ment for its transgression. None but Christ

could redeem fallen man from the curse of

the law and bring him again into harmony

with

Heaven."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 63.

What further provision has He

made whereby the pardoned sinner

may be brought into conformity with

the will of God? Rom. 8:3, 4.

NOTE.—"The

conditions of eternal life,

under grace, are just what they were in

Eden—perfect righteousness, harmony with

God, perfect conformity to the principles

of His law. The standard of character pre-

sented in the Old Testament is the same

that is presented in the New Testament.

This standard is not one to which we can-

not attain. In every command or injunc-

tion that God gives there is a promise, the

most positive, underlying the command.

God has made provision that we may be-

come like unto Him, and He will accom-

plish this for all who do not interpose a

perverse will and thus frustrate His grace."

—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,

page 76.

The Righteous Remnant

10.

What two essentials have al-

ways characterized the experience of

those who avail themselves of the di-

vine way of escape from condemna-

tion? Heb. 11:8; Acts 6:7; Rev. 14:12.

NoTE.—"In every age, from the midst of

apostasy and rebellion, God gathers out a

people that are true to Him—a people 'in

whose heart is His

law.' "—Patriarchs and

Prophets,

page 338.

11.

When all have had the oppor-

tunity of accepting or rejecting God's

gracious offer, what will God do? Acts

17:31.

12.

In what sense do men deter-

mine their own standing in the judg-

ment? John 3:18.

NOTE.—"As those who believe in Christ

are justified by virtue of their faith in

Him, so those who do not believe are

automatically condemned because of their

lack of faith. . . . God has predetermined

that those who believe shall be saved and

that those who do not believe shall be lost,

but He has left it to every man to choose

whether or not to believe. In this sense the

case of every believer and every unbe-

liever, every saint and every sinner, was

settled when the plan of salvation was first

laid, but it was left to every individual to

choose whether he would be a saint or a

sinner. This is Bible predestination. In the

final judgment, sentence will be passed on

men individually, as, long ago, it was

passed on them collectively."—The

Sev-

enth-day Adventist Bible Commentary,

John 3:18.

13.

What will be the reward of

those whom God approves? Rom.

6:22.

N o-IT.—"The redeemed will be wel-

comed to the home that Jesus is preparing

for them. There their companions will not

be the vile of earth, liars, idolaters, the im-

pure, and unbelieving; but they will as-

sociate with those who have overcome Sa-

tan and through divine grace have formed

perfect characters. . . . They are without

fault before the great white throne, sharing

the dignity and the privileges of the an-

gels."—Steps to Christ,

1956 and pocket

eds., p. 126.

14.

Under the provision of the new

covenant, what is accomplished for

the believer? Heb. 10:15, 16.

NoTE.—"The law of God is an expression

of His very nature; it is an embodiment of

the great principle of love, and hence is the

foundation of His government in heaven

and earth. If our hearts are renewed in

the likeness of God, if the divine love is

implanted in the soul, will not the law of

God be carried out in the life? When the

principle of love is implanted in the heart,

when man is renewed after the image of

Him that created him, the new-covenant

promise is fulfilled, 'I will put My laws

into their hearts, and in their minds will

I write them' Hebrews 10:16. And if the

law is written in the heart, will it not shape

the life? Obedience—the service and al-

legiance of love—is the true sign of disci-

pleship."—Steps

to Christ,

page 60.

Lesson 2, for July 9, 1960

The Decalogue

MEMORY VERSE:

"He that hath My commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that

loveth Me: and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father." John 14:21.

STUDY HELPS:

"Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing," pages 45-51 (1943

ed.,

pp.

73-81); "Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 303-314, 331-342; Taylor G. Bunch,

"The Ten Commandments," pages 9-22; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible

Commentary," on Scripture references; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of

June 23.

[6]

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey.

❑

Sunday: Questions 1-3.

❑

Monday: Questions

4, 5; begin

reading

from

Study

Helps.

Tuesday: Questions

6-10.

Cheek Here

Wednesday: Questions 11, 12; read

further from Study Helps.



❑

Thursday: Continue reading Study

Helps.

Friday:

Review entire

lesson.

God's Ten Words

What special privilege did God

grant to Israel, and where was it

given? Rom. 3:1, 2; Neh. 9:13, 14.

Nora.-"The law was

not spoken at

this

time exclusively for the benefit of the He-

brews. God honored them by making them

the guardians and keepers of His law, but

it was to be held as a sacred trust for the

whole

world."-Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 305.

In what form did God set forth

the principles of His moral govern-

ment? Deut. 4:12, 13. Read Exodus

20:1-17.

Lesson Outline:

I. God's Ten Words

The oracles committed to Israel.

Rom. 3:1, 2; Neh. 9:13, 14.

Ten brief, comprehensive precepts.

Deut. 4:12, 13.

Written by God Himself. Ex.

24:12; Deut. 5:22.

II. Declared From the Beginning

Abraham kept the law. Gen. 26:5.

Earth's first inhabitants con-

demned for disobedience. Gen.

3:6, 16-19; 4:10-12; 27:18, 19,

41-43; 31:19; 35:2.

III. Still the Standard of Righteousness

Jesus did not abolish law. Matt.

5:17-19.

Keeping of law an evidence of love.

John 14:15; 15:10, 14.

Faith establishes the law. Rom.

3:31.

Believers will keep the whole law.

James 2:8-12.

10.

Possible to keep through God's

indwelling. Phil. 2:13 ; Gal. 2:20.

IV. Keeping the Law in the Last Days

11.

Last-day saints will keep com-

mandments. Rev. 14:12 ; 2 Tim.

3:1-5.

12.

"Blessed are they that do His

commandments." Rev. 22:14.

THE

LESSON

man

to God and to his fellow man; and

all based upon the great fundamental prin-

ciple of

love."-Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 305.

"The first table containing the first, sec-

ond, third, and fourth commandments, and

comprehending the . . . reverence we owe

and the religious service we should render

to Him. The second, containing the six

last commandments, and comprehending a

complete system of

ethics, or moral duties,

which man owes to his fellows. . . . By

this division, the first table contains our

duty

to God; the second, our

duty

to our

neighbor."-Adam Clarke,

Commentary,

note on Exodus 20:1.

3. How did God indicate the unique

character of the Ten Commandment

code? Ex. 24:12; Deut. 5:22.

NoTE.-"Ten precepts, brief, comprehen-

sive, and authoritative, cover the duty of

Nora.-"He [God] did not even then

trust His precepts to the memory of a

people who were prone to forget His re-

[ 7 ]



God's character is revealed by His law —

. love, justice, mercy, truth, holiness.

quirements, but wrote them upon tables of

stone. He would remove from Israel all pos-

sibility of mingling heathen traditions with

His holy precepts, or of confounding His

requirements with human ordinances or

customs."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page

364.

Declared From the Beginning

While the law of God was first

set forth as the Decalogue at Sinai,

what evidence have we that the moral

law existed before Sinai? Gen. 26:5.

NoTE.—"God's law is a transcript of His

character. It was given to man in the be-

ginning as the standard of obedience. . . .

At Sinai the law was given a second time."

—Testimonies,

vol. 8, p. 207.

Mention some examples of indi-

viduals being condemned for disobe-

dience to God's law. Gen. 3:6, 16-19;

4:10-12; 27:18, 19, 41-43; 31:19; 35:2.

NoTE.—"From the very beginning of the

great controversy in heaven it has been

Satan's purpose to overthrow the law of

God. It was to accomplish this that he en-

tered upon his rebellion against the Crea-

tor, and though he was cast out of heaven

he has continued the same warfare upon

the earth. To deceive men, and thus lead

them to transgress God's law, is the ob-

ject which he has steadfastly pursued."—

The Great Controversy,

page 582.

Still the Standard of Righteousness

What did Jesus say He had no

intention of abrogating? Matt. 5:

17-19.

NOTE.—"While

the Saviour's death

brought to an end the law of types and

shadows, it did not in the least detract

from the obligation of the moral law. On

the contrary, the very fact that it was

necessary for Christ to die in order to atone

for the transgression of that law, proves

it to be

immutable."—Patriarchs and Proph-

ets,

page 365.

Of what is commandment keep-

ing an evidence? John 14:15; 15:

10, 14.

NoTE.—"There are only two classes in the

world today, and only two classes will be

recognized in the judgment—those who

violate God's law and those who obey it.

Christ gives the test by which to prove

our loyalty or disloyalty. 'If ye love Me,'

He says, 'keep My commandments.'

"—

Christ's Object Lessons,

page 283.

"If we abide in Christ, if the love of

God dwells in the heart, our feelings, our

thoughts, our actions, will be in harmony

with the will of God. The sanctified heart

is in harmony with the precepts of God's

law."—The Acts of the Apostles,

page 563.

"The commandments of Jesus were also

the commandments of the Father, for Je-

sus spake not of Himself (chs. 12:49; 14:

10). He endorsed the moral commands

given to ancient Israel . . . and magnified

them. . . . He gave commands of His own,

such as the new commandment (John 13:

34), not to replace any of the moral pre-

cepts, which reflected the character of the

unchangeable God, but to set forth their

true meaning and to show how their

principles should be applied to various life

situations."—The

Seventh-day Adventist

Bible Commentary,

on John 14:15.

What testimony did Paul bear

concerning the place of the law in the

life of faith and grace? Rom. 3:31.

NoTE.—In the Greek the word

law

this text is not preceded by the article

the,

which may indicate that Paul was refer-

ring to the principle of law in general as

well as to the written law. See

The Seventh-

day Adventist Bible Commentary

on this

text and on Romans 2:12.

"It is true that Paul 'made void' the Jew-

ish idea of law as a means of attaining

righteousness and the Jewish insistence that

the Gentiles must follow the same method

(Acts 15:1; Gal. 2:16-19). But law in its

true function is confirmed, rather than

abrogated, by God's appointed method of

justifying sinners."—The

Seventh-day Ad-

ventist Bible Commentary,

on Rom. 3:31.

How complete will be the be-

liever's conformity to the law of God?

James 2:8-12.

10.

How is such conformity with

the law of God made possible in the

life of the forgiven sinner? Phil. 2:

13; Gal. 2:20.

NOTE.—"It is the work of conversion

and sanctification to reconcile men to God

by bringing them into accord with the

principles of His

law."—The Great Con-

troversy,

page 467.

Keeping the Law in the Last Days

11.

What will be the attitude of the

children of God in contrast to the law-

lessness of the world in the last days?

Rev. 14:12; 2 Tim. 3:1-5.

NOTE.-"With

the setting aside of the

Bible has come a turning away from God's

law. The doctrine that men are released

from obedience to the divine precepts, has

weakened the force of moral obligation and

opened the floodgates of iniquity upon the

world. Lawlessness, dissipation, and cor-

ruption are sweeping in like an overwhelm-

ing flood. Everywhere are seen envy, evil

surmising, hypocrisy, estrangement, emu-

lation, strife, betrayal of sacred trusts, in-

dulgence of

lust."—Prophets and Kings,

page 624.

"We are nearing the end of this earth's

history, and God calls upon all to lift the

standard bearing the inscription, 'Here are

they that keep the commandments of God,

and the faith of

Jesus,'"—Testimonies,

vol. 6, p. 292.

12.

What will be the reward of

those who, by grace, remain loyal to

God and to His law? Rev. 22:14.

NOTE.—Some of the ancient manuscripts

translate this text, "that wash their robes,"

and others, "that keep His commandments."

"In actual fact both readings suit the

context and are in harmony with John's

teaching elsewhere. . . . Our title to heaven

is the righteousness of Christ imputed: our

fitness for heaven, the righteousness of

Christ imparted, represented by the washed

robes. The outward evidence of the right-

eousness of Christ imparted is perfect com-

pliance with the commandments of God.

Hence the two ideas of washed robes and

obedience to commandments are closely

related."—The

Seventh-day Adventist Bi-

ble Commentary,

on Rev. 22:14.

"Those principles that were made known

to man in Paradise as the great law of life,

will exist unchanged in Paradise restored.

When Eden shall bloom on earth again,

God's law of love will be obeyed by all be-

neath the

sun."—Thoughts From the

Mount of Blessing,

1956 ed., pp. 50, 51.

Tape-recorded mission appeals for the Thirteenth Sabbath

projects are available for offering promotion in the Sab-

bath school. Order through your Book and Bible House.

[ 9 I

Lesson 3, for July 16,

1960

No Other Gods

MEMORY VERSE: "0

come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the

Lord our Maker." Ps. 95:6.

STUDY HELPS:

Taylor G. Bunch, "The Ten Commandments," pages 23-34; "The

Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on Scripture references; Lesson

Help in "Review and Herald" of June 30.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here



Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey.

❑



reading from Study Helps.



❑

Sunday: Questions 1-3.



❑

Wednesday: Questions 10-12.



❑

Monday: Questions 4-7.



❑

Thursday: Read Study Helps.



❑

Tuesday: Questions

8, 9; begin



Friday: Review entire lesson.



❑

Lesson Outline:

I. God the True Object of Worship

God alone entitled to worship.

Ex. 20:1-3 ; Isa. 42:8; Ex. 23:13.

Because of what He is. Ps. 99:5 ;

1 Tim. 1:17; Ps. 95:6; 107:8; Ex.

20:2; Col. 1:13.

Requires undivided affection.

Deut. 6:5 ; Matt. 22:37, 38.

II. From Creator Worship to Creature

Worship

Man turns to creature worship.

Rom. 1:21, 22, 25.

Sun, moon, birds, beasts, etc.,

worshiped. Deut. 4:15, 19; Rom.

1:23; Col. 2:18.

6. Money and appetite also may be

worshiped. 1 Tim. 6:10; Phil. 3:19.

7. Intellectualism worshiped by some.

Col. 2:8.

III. False Gods Degrade and Ruin

8. "By beholding we become

changed." Rom. 1:28-32.

9. They shall perish from the earth.

Jer. 10:11, 15; Rev. 22:15.

IV. God's Last Appeal

10. Men will be spiritually seduced.

2 Tim. 3:4, last part; 2 Peter 3:3;

1 Tim. 4:1; Rev. 13:4, 15.

11. Call to worship true God. Rev.

14:6, 7.

12. Flee idolatry. 1 Cor. 10:14;

1 John 5:21.

THE LESSON

God the True Object of Worship

1. In the first commandment what

affirmation does God make, and what

is His legitimate demand?

Ex. 20:1-3;

Isa. 42:8; Ex. 23:13.

preme reverence and worship. Man is for-

bidden to give to any other object the

first place in his affections or his service."

-Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 305.

On what grounds does God

claim man's exclusive allegiance and

worship?

NorE.-"Jehovah, the eternal, self-exist-

ent, untreated One, Himself the Source and



ANSWER:

a. For what He is. Ps.

99:5 ;

Sustainer

of all,

is alone entitled to su-



1 Tim.

1:17.

101

The greatest idol—money — turns

millions from God.

For what He has done as Creator, Ps.

95:6; as Provider, Ps. 107:8; as Deliverer,

Ex. 20:2;. Col. 1:13.

NorE.—"The seal of God's law is found

in the fourth commandment. This only, of

all the ten, brings to view both the name

and the title of the Lawgiver. It declares

Him to be the Creator of the heavens and

the earth, and thus shows His claim to

reverence and worship above all others."—

The Great Controversy,

page 452.

What kind of worship does God

expect from His creatures? Deut. 6:

5; Matt. 22:37, 38.

Norz.—"There is allowed no separation

of our affections from God. Nothing is to

divide our supreme love for Him or our

delight in

Him."—Testimonies, vol.

1, p.

436.

From Creator Worship to

Creature Worship

By what steps did man depart

from the true worship of God? To

what new objects did he begin to give

reverence? Rom. 1:21, 22, 25.

NoTE.—" 'Glorified him not.' The un-

willingness to honor God as the divine

Creator was the real source of the darkened

minds and abominable practices of the

Gentiles. To glorify God means to rever-

ence, love, and obey Him.

" 'Neither were thankful.' Unwilling-

ness to give thanks to God for His love and

goodness toward men is one of the causes

of corruption and idolatry. Ingratitude

hardens the heart and leads men to forget

the Being to whom they are unwilling to

express thankfulness."—The

Seventh-day

Adventist Bible Commentary,

on Rom.

1:21.

What forms of creature worship

became prominent in ancient times?

Deut. 4:15, 19; Rom. 1:23; Col. 2:18.

NOTE.—"The sun and moon were objects

of worship to the

Egyptians."—Patriarchs

and Prophets,

page 272.

"In ancient Egypt everything that had

life, great and small, beautiful or disgust-

ing, was idealized and deified, from the

mighty monarch to the crawling beetle,

from the bull to the onion."—W. Senior,

God's Ten Words,

page 29.

What other things have men

made into gods and worshiped? 1

Tim. 6:10; Phil. 3:19.

NorE.—"Whatever we cherish that tends

to lessen our love for God or to interfere

with the service due Him, of that do we

make

a god."---Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 305.

What mental conceptions have

been set up as gods and worshiped?

Col. 2:8.

Nora.—"It is as easy to make an idol of

false doctrines and theories as to fashion an

idol of wood or stone. By misrepresenting

the attributes of God, Satan leads men to

conceive of Him in a false character. With

many, a philosophical idol is enthroned in

the place of Jehovah; while the living

God, as He is revealed in His word, in

Christ, and in the works of creation, is

worshiped by but few."—The Great

Con-

troversy,

page 583.

False Gods Degrade and Ruin

Why is the worship of false gods

not merely foolish but degrading?

Rom. 1:28-32.

NOTE.-"It is a law of the human mind

that by beholding we become changed.

Man will rise no higher than his concep-

tions of truth, purity, and holiness. If the

mind is never exalted above the level of

humanity, if it is not uplifted by faith to

contemplate infinite wisdom and love, the

man will be constantly sinking lower and

lower. The worshipers of false gods

clothed their deities with human attributes

and passions, and thus their standard of

character was degraded to the likeness of

sinful humanity."—Patriarchs

and Proph-

ets,

page 91.

What will be the fate of all false

gods and of those who persist in wor-

shiping them? Jer. 10:11, 15; Rev.

22:15.

God's Last Appeal

10.

In what forms will false wor-

ship culminate in the last days? 2 Tim.

3:4, last part; 2 Peter 3:3; 1 Tim. 4:1;

Rev. 13:4, 15.

NoTE.—"The present age is one of idola-

try, as verily as was that in which Elijah

lived. No outward shrine may be visible;

there may be no image for the eye to rest

upon; yet thousands are following after

the gods of this world—after riches, fame,

pleasure, and the pleasing fables that per-

mit man to follow the inclinations of the

unregenerate

heart."—Prophets and Kings,

page 177.

11.

How is God seeking to recall

man to the worship of Himself? Rev.

14:6, 7.

NOTE.—"In the last days of this earth's

history the voice that spoke from Sinai is

still declaring, 'Thou shalt have no other

gods before Me.' Exodus 20:3. Man has

set his will against the will of God, but he

cannot silence the word of command. The

human mind cannot evade its obligation to

a higher power. Theories and speculations

may abound; men may try to set science

in opposition to revelation, and thus do

away with God's law; but stronger and

still stronger comes the command,

'Thou

shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him

only shalt thou serve."—Prophets and

Kings,

pages 624, 625.

12.

What, therefore, are we urged

to do if we would partake of the joys

of the eternal kingdom? 1 Cor. 10:14;

1 John 5:21.

NOTE.—"Whatever divides the affections,

and takes away from the soul supreme love

to God, assumes the form of an idol. Our

carnal hearts would cling to our idols and

seek to carry them along; but we cannot

advance until we put them away, for they

separate us from God. The great Head of

the church has chosen His people out of the

world and requires them to be separate.

He designs that the spirit of His command-

ments shall draw them to Himself and

separate them from the elements of the

world."—Testimonies, vol. 1,

p. 289.

Lesson 4, for July 23, 1960

True Worship

MEMORY VERSE:

"And let them make Me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among

them." Ex. 25:8.

STUDY HELPS:

"Early Writings," pages 210-213; Taylor G. Bunch, "The Ten Com-

mandments," pages 35-63; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary,"

on Scripture

refProncos;

Lesson Help in "Review and

Herald" of July .7.

[ 12 ]:

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey.

❑

Sunday: Questions 1-3.



❑

Monday: Questions 4, 5; begin

reading from Study Helps.



❑

Tuesday: Questions 6-9.

Wednesday: Questions 10-12.

Thursday: Read Study Helps.

Friday: Review entire lesson.

Check Here

Lesson Outline:

I. The Spirit of Devotion

God to be worshiped in spirit and

truth. John 4:24.

Israel given pattern of worship.

Ex. 25:8, 9.

Jesus revealed the Father.

John

14:8-11; Heb. 1:1-3.

II. Images a Snare

Man forbidden to worship images.

Ex. 20:4, 5 ; Deut. 4:15-19.

Images result in idol worship.

Isa. 44:9, 14, 16, 17.

III. Ancient and Modern Image Worship

Idols cannot save. Isa. 44:10, 18-20;

45:20; 46:7.

Similarities between ancient and

modern image worship. Hosea

13:1-3 ; 1 Kings 19:18; Ezek. 16:

17-20; 8:10, 11.

Rome's change of commandments

to conceal violation.

Idols may be in heart. Ezek. 14:3.

IV. A "Jealous" God

10.

God's displeasure called jealousy.

Ex. 20:5.

11.

Those refusing to abandon idols

will be cut off. Hosea 8:4.

12.

God shows mercy to those who

worship Him. Ex. 20:6.

THE LESSON

NoTE.-"The whole worship of ancient

Israel was a promise, in figures and sym-

bols, of Christ; and it was not merely a

promise, but an actual provision, designed

by God to aid millions of people by lifting

their thoughts to Him who was to mani-

fest Himself to our

world."-Testimonies

to Ministers,

page 123.

3. How has Jesus made God real

to us? John 14:8-11; Heb. 1:1-3.

The Spirit of Devotion

How is God described, and how

only may He be worshiped? John

4:24.

Non.-"Not by seeking a holy moun-

tain or a sacred temple are men brought

into communion with heaven. Religion is

not to be confined to external forms and

ceremonies. The religion that comes from

God is the only religion that will lead to

God. In order to serve Him aright, we

must be born of the divine Spirit. This

will purify the heart and renew the mind,

giving us a new capacity for knowing and

loving God. It will give us a willing obedi-

ence to all His requirements. This is true

worship."-The

Desire of Ages,

page 189.

What legitimate aids were af-

forded to ancient Israel to assist their

worship of the invisible God? Ex.

25:8, 9.

NoTE.-"Christ declares Himself to be

sent into the world as a representative of

the Father. In His nobility of character, in

His mercy and tender pity, in His love and

goodness, He stands before us as the em-

bodiment of divine perfection, the image of

the invisible

God."-Testimonies, vol. 5,

739.

Images a Snare

4. In worship what was man ex-

pressly forbidden to use? Ex. 20:4, 5;

Deut. 4:15-19.

[131

•

NKAN

We may look askance at those kneel ng at

shrines; but is God actually In our thoughts?

NOTE,—"Ill what does it (the second

commandment) differ from the first? The

first forbade the worship of any false god

with or without an image, sun, moon, stars,

Baal, or Ashtoreth. The second forbids

even the worship of Jehovah Himself un-

der any symbolic form whatever."—W.

Senior,

God's Ten Words,

page 48.

"The second commandment forbids the

worship of the true God by images or

similitudes. Many heathen nations claimed

that their images were mere figures or sym-

bols by which the Deity was worshiped, but

God has declared such worship to be sin.

The attempt to represent the Eternal One

by material objects would lower man's

conception of God. The mind, turned away

from the infinite perfection of Jehovah,

would be attracted to the creature rather

than the Creator. And as his conceptions

of God were lowered, so would man be-

come degraded."—Patriarchs

and Prophets,

page 306.

In what perversion of worship

do images ultimately result? Isa. 44:

9, 14, 16, 17.

NoTE.—"It may have seemed strange to

many of us, that among the Ten Com-

mandments which were to set forth in the

shortest possible form the highest, the most

essential duties of man, the second place

should be assigned to a prohibition of any

kind of images. . . Let those who wish

to understand the hidden wisdom of these

words study the history of ancient reli-

gions. Let them read the descriptions of

religious festivals in Africa, in America, and

Australia. . . . History is sometimes a

stronger and sterner teacher than argu-

ment, and one of the lessons which the

history of religions certainly teaches is this,

that the curse pronounced against those

who would change the invisible into the

visible, the spiritual into the material, the

divine into the human, the infinite into the

finite, has come true in every nation on

earth."—Max Muller, quoted by W. Senior

God's Ten Words,

pages 59, 60.

Ancient and Modern Image

Worship

How utterly foolish and profit-

less is the worship of graven images?

Isa. 44:10, 18-20; 45:20; 46:7.

What features that may be wit-

nessed in modern image worship char-

acterized that of apostate Israel? Ho-

sea 13:1-3; 1 Kings 19:18; Ezek. 16:

17-20; 8:10, 11.

NOTE.—"The

worship of images and rel-

ics, the invocation of saints, and the exal-

tation of the pope are devices of Satan to

attract the minds of the people from God

and from His Son. To accomplish their

ruin, he endeavors to turn their attention

from Him through whom alone they can

find salvation. He will direct them to any

object that can be substituted for the One

Who has said, 'Come unto

Me.'"—The

Great Controversy,

page 568.

How has Rome endeavored to

conceal her violation of the second

commandment?

ANSWER:

By substituting as far as pos-

sible the reading of catechisms for the read-

ing of the Bible. In these catechisms the

Decalogue is so markedly abridged as to

amount to a change. In Butler's

Catechism

the first commandment is thus given: "I am

the Lord, thy God; thou shalt not have

strange gods before Me." The second is

given: "Thou shalt not take the name of

the Lord thy God in vain." Assuming that

what we call the second commandment is

[ 14 ]

a part of the first, they omit all reference

to graven images as presented in Exodus

20:4. In order to present ten command-

ments, the catechism makes two command-

ments of the tenth as we understand it.

Their ninth commandment reads: 'Thou

shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife." Their

tenth reads: "Thou shalt not covet thy

neighbor's goods." In this way the com-

mand against the making of, or bowing

down to, graven images is hidden from

view.

NOTE.—"There are twenty-nine cate-

chisms in use in Rome and Italy, France,

Belgium, Austria, Bavaria, Silesia, Poland,

Ireland, England, Spain, and Portugal, in

twenty-seven of which the second com-

mandment is totally omitted; in two, mu-

tilated."—Dr. McCaul, quoted by

Charles in

The Decalogue,

page 74.

9. Is idolatry necessarily limited to

the worship of images of wood, metal,

or stone? Ezek. 14:3.

NoTz.—A false philosophy to which a

man gives his acquiescence, and in which he

trusts rather than in God, may become to

him an idol. Science, evolution, education,

reason, progress, civilization, humanism, all

forms of state worship and secular ideal-

isms, are some of the "idols" to which

modern man is giving his allegiance today

rather than to God.

A "Jealous" God

10.

How does God feel toward idol

worship, ancient or modern? Ex. 20:

5. See also Deut. 32:16, 21.

NOTE.—"The close and sacred relation of

God to His people is represented under the

figure of marriage. Idolatry being spiritual

adultery, the displeasure of God against it

is fitly called

jealousy."—Patriarchs and

Prophets,

page 306.

11.

What will be the ultimate fate

of those who fail to abandon their

idols? Hosea 8:4.

12.

How will God regard those

who love and obey Him? Ex. 20:6.

NOTE.—"

'Showing mercy unto thousands

of them that love Me, and keep My com-

mandments.' In prohibiting the worship of

false gods, the second commandment by

implication enjoins the worship of the true

God. And to those who are faithful in His

service, mercy is promised, not merely to

the third and fourth generation as is the

wrath threatened against those who hate

Him, but to

thousands

of generations."—

Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 306.

Lesson 5, for July 30, 1960

The Holy Name

MEMORY VERSE:

"Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His name; worship the

Lord in the beauty of holiness." Ps. 29:2.

STUDY HELPS:

"Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing," 1956

ed., pp. 66

69, 106,

107 (1943 ed., pp. 102-106, 157, 158); Taylor G. Bunch, "The Ten Command-

ments," pages 64-76; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on

Scripture references; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of July 14.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey.

❑

Sunday: Questions 1-3.

❑

Monday: Questions 4-7.

❑

Tuesday: Questions 8-10.

❑

Check Here

Wednesday: Questions

11,

12;

begin reading Study Helps.

Thursday: Read Study Helps.



❑

Friday: Review entire lesson.

Lesson Outline:

I. God's Name to be Honored

"Holy and reverend is His name."

Ps. 111:9, last part; 29:2.

"Hallowed be Thy name." Matt.

6:9.

The Lord's name never to be used

in vain. Ex. 20:7; Lev. 19:12, last

part.

II. The Name of the Lord Profaned

Israel dishonored God before

heathen. Ezek. 36:20, 23.

Misrepresentation of God by

Christians causes His name to be

blasphemed. 2 Sam. 12:14 ; Rom.

2:23, 24.

God's name profaned by hypocrites.

Luke 6:46; Matt. 15:7, 8.

7. Even though hypocrites call upon

His name, the Lord will not

recognize them. Matt. 7:21-23.

III. Invoking God's Name

8. Judicial oath not forbidden. Deut.

6:13; Dan. 12:7; Matt. 26:63, 64;

Rev. 10:5, 6.

9. Common swearing forbidden.

Matt. 5:34-37.

10. Blasphemy and foolish talking to

be put away. Col. 3:8; Eph. 5:4.

IV. Attitude Toward God's Name in

Last Days

11. Blasphemies will be common.

Rev. 13:1, 5, 6; 2 Tim. 3:2-5.

12. Some will fear the name of the

Lord and be rewarded. Mal. 3:16;

4:2; Rev. 11:18.

THE LESSON

God's Name to Be Honored

What do the Scriptures say of the

name of God? Ps. 111:9, last part;

29:2.

NorE.-"The Scripture declares of God,

'Holy and reverend is His name.' Ps. 111:

9. To what human being is such a title

[reverend] befitting? How little does man

reveal of the wisdom and righteousness it

indicates How many of those who assume

this title are misrepresenting the name and

character of God! Alas, how often have

worldly ambition, despotism, and the bas-

est sins, been hidden under the broidered

garments of a high and holy office

!"-The

Desire of Ages,

page 613.

How, then, should the name of

God be regarded by man? Matt. 6:9.

NoTE.-"Holy angels have been dis-

pleased and disgusted with the irreverent

manner in which many have used the name

of God, the great Jehovah. Angels men-

tion that sacred name with the greatest

awe, ever veiling their faces when they

speak the name of God; and the name of

Christ is so sacred to them that they speak

it with the greatest reverence."-Testi-

monies, vol.

1, p. 410.

"To hallow the name of the Lord re-

quires that the words in which we speak

of the Supreme Being be uttered with

reverence."-Thoughts From the Mount of

Blessing,

1956 ed., p. 106.

"Never should that name be spoken

lightly or thoughtlessly. Even in prayer its

frequent or needless repetition should be

avoided."-Education,

page 243.

Of what should man never be

guilty? Ex. 20:7; Lev. 19:12, last part.

16 ]

We wont labels to tell the truth-.

about goods and persons.

NOTE.—"This commandment not only

prohibits false oaths and common swear-

ing, but it forbids us to use the name of

God in a light or careless manner, without

regard to its awful significance. By the

thoughtless mention of God in common

conversation, by appeals to Him in trivial

matters, and by the frequent and thought-

less repetition of His name, we dishonor

Him."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

pages 306;

307.

The Name of the Lord. Profaned

How did God's people of old

profane the name of the Lord among

the heathen? Ezek. 36:20, 23. See also

Lev. 18:21.

NoTE.—"God had pleaded with Judah

not to provoke Him to anger, but they

had hearkened not. Finally sentence was

pronounced against them. They were to

led away captive to Babylon. The

Chaldeans were to be used as the instru-

ment by which God would chastise His

disobedient people. The sufferings of the

men of Judah were to be in proportion to

the light they had had and to the warnings

they had despised and rejected. Long had

God delayed His judgments, but now He

would visit His displeasure upon them as

last effort to check them in their evil

course."—Prophets and Kings,

page 425.

What terrible guilt is incurred

by the misrepresentation

of God by

His people? 2 Sam. 12:14; Rom. 2:

23, 24.

NorE.—"When you pray, 'Hallowed be

Thy name,' you ask that it may be hal-

lowed in this world, hallowed in you. God

has acknowledged you before men and an-

gels as His child; pray that you may do no

dishonor to the 'worthy name by which ye

are called.' James 2:7. God sends you

into the world as His representative. In

every act of life you are to make manifest

the name of God. This petition calls upon

you to possess His character. You cannot

hallow His name, you cannot represent

Him to the world, unless in life and charac-

ter you represent the very life and charac-

ter of God. This you can do only through

the acceptance of the grace and righteous-

ness of

Christ."—Thoughts From the

Mount of Blessing,

page 107.

In what other way may profess-

ing believers profane the name of

God? Luke 6:46; Matt. 15:7, 8.

NOTE.—"Open apostasy would not be

more offensive to God than hypocrisy and

mere formal

worship."—Patriarchs and

Prophets,

page 523.

"Men may deny Christ by evilspeaking,

by foolish talking, by words that are un-

truthful or unkind. They may deny Him

by shunning life's burdens, by the pursuit

of sinful pleasure. They may deny Him by

conforming to the world, by uncourteous

behavior, by the love of their own opinions,

by justifying self, by cherishing doubt, bor-

rowing trouble, and dwelling in darkness.

In all these ways they declare that Christ

is not in them. And 'whosoever shall deny

Me before men,' He says, 'him will I also

deny before My Father which is in heaven.' "

—The Desire of Ages,

page 357.

How will God regard

hypo-

crites?

Matt. 7:21-23.

[.1.7

NoTE.—"Ten thousand times ten thou-

sand may profess to obey the law and the

gospel, and yet be living in transgression.

Men may present in a clear manner the

claims of truth upon others, and yet their

own hearts be carnal. Sin may be loved

and practiced in secret. The truth of God

may be no truth to them, because their

hearts have not been sanctified by it. The

love of the Saviour may exercise no con-

straining power over their base passions.

We know by the history of the past that

men may stand in sacred positions and yet

handle the truth of God deceitfully."—Tes-

timonies, vol. 5, p. 536.

Invoking God's Name

In what legitimate way may the

name of God be invoked? Deut. 6:13;

Dan. 12:7; Matt. 26:63, 64; Rev. 10:

5; 6.

NoTE.—"Our Saviour did not . . . forbid

the use of the judicial oath, in which God

is solemnly called to witness that what is

said is truth and nothing but the truth.

Jesus Himself, at His trial before the San-

hedrin, did not refuse to testify under oath.

The high priest said unto Him, 'I adjure

Thee by the living God, that Thou tell us

whether Thou be the Christ, the Son of

God.' Jesus answered, 'Thou hast said.'

Matt. 26:63, 64. Had Christ in the Sermon

on the•Mount condemned the judicial oath,

He would at His trial have reproved the

high priest and thus, for the benefit of His

followers, have enforced His own teaching."

—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,

pages 66, 67.

"If there is anyone who can consistently

testify under oath, it is the Christian. . . .

When required to do so in a lawful man-

ner, it is right for him to appeal to God as

a witness that what he says is the truth, and

nothing but the truth."—Ibid., p. 67.

What proper reticence, however,

should we exercise even in this solemn

act? Matt. 5:34-37.

NoTE.—"These words [verse 37] con-

demn all those meaningless phrases and ex-

pletives that border on profanity."—

Thoughts

From the Mount of Blessing,

page 68.

"Some exaggerate in their language. Some

swear by their own life; others swear by

their head—as sure as they live; as sure as

they have a head. Some take heaven and

earth to witness that such things are so.

Some hope that God will strike them out

of existence if what they are saying is not

true. It is this kind of common swearing

against which Jesus warns His disciples."

—Testimonies, vol.

1, p. 201.

10.

What does Paul urge all be-

lievers to put away? Col. 3:8; Eph.

5:4.

NoTE.—"In our mingling in society, in

families, or in whatever relations of life we

are placed, either limited or extended, there

are many ways wherein we may acknowl-

edge our Lord and many ways wherein we

may deny Him. We may deny Him in our

words, by speaking evil of others, by fool-

ish talking, jesting and joking, by idle or

unkind words, or by prevaricating, speak-

ing contrary to truth. In our words we

may confess that Christ is not in us."—

Testimonies,

vol. 3, pp. 331, 332.

Attitude Toward God's Name

in Last Days

11.

How widespread will be the

profanation of God's name in the lat-

ter days? Rev. 13:1, 5, 6; 2 Tim. 3:2-5.

12.

What special regard will God

have for those who in the last days

revere His name? How will they be

rewarded? Mal. 3:16; 4:2; Rev. 11:18.

NoTE.—"God will remember those who

have met together and thought upon His

name, and He will spare them from the

great conflagration. They will be as pre-

cious jewels in His sight, but His wrath will

fall on the shelterless head of the sinner."—

Testimonies,

vol. 4, p. 107.

[ 18 ]

Lesson 6, for August 6, 1960

Creation's Memorial

MEMORY VERSE:

"And He said unto them, The Sabbath was

made for man, and

•

not man for the Sabbath: therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the Sab-

bath." Mark 2:27, 28.

STUDY HELPS:

"The Desire of Ages," pages 281-289; Taylor G. Bunch, "The Ten

Commandments," pages 77-90; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commen-

tary," on Scripture references; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of July 21.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here

❑

Check Here

Wednesday: Questions

12-14;

read

from Study Helps.



❑

Thursday: Finish reading Study Helps.

❑

Friday: Review entire lesson.



❑

Sabbath afternoon: General survey.

Sunday: Questions 1-4.

Monday: Questions 5-8.

Tuesday: Questions 9-11; begin

reading from Study Helps.

Lesson Outline:

Remembering the Creator

Worship recognizes creative power...

Jer. 10:10-12 ; Ps. 96:5.

Sabbath set aside for worship.

Ex. 20:8-11.

Bounds of Sabbath defined. Mark

1:21, 32; Luke 4:31, 40.

Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath. Mark

2:28.

II. Universality and Perpetuity of the

Sabbath

Sabbath made for man. Mark 2:27.

No labor to be required of man or

beast. Ex. 20:10, last part; 23:12 ;

Isa. 56:6, 7.

Sabbath instituted at creation. Gen.

2:1-3; Ex. 16:23-26.

Sabbath observed after resurrec-

tion. Matt. 24:20.

III. A Sign of Allegiance

A sign between God and His peo-

ple. Ex. 31:13 ; Ezek. 20:12, 20.

10.

Secular labor forbidden. Ex. 31:

14, 15.

11.

Day of rest and worship. Lev.

23:3, first part; Luke 4:16.

12.

Lawful to do well. Matt. 12:10-12.

13.

Blessings promised those who ob-

serve Sabbath. Isa. 58:13, 14.

14.

Sabbath will be observed in new

earth. Isa. 66:23.

THE LESSON

Remembering the Creator

1. What fundamental difference be-

tween the power of the true God and

false gods should be recognized in

worship? Jer. 10:10-12; Ps.

96:5.

Noxt.-"The duty

to worship God is

based upon the fact that He is the Creator

and that to Him all other beings owe their

existence. And wherever, in the Bible, His

claim to reverence and worship, above the

gods of the heathen, is presented, there is

cited the evidence of His creative power.

. . . 'This great fact can never become ob-

solete, and must never be forgotten.'

"-The

Great Controversy,

pages 436-438.

2. What period of time was par-

ticularly set apart for the worship of

the Creator, and why? Ex. 20:8-11

See also Gen..

2:1-3

(19

How better can we show our allegiance to God than by

giving Him one seventh of the hours of our life?

NcrrE.—"The Sabbath, as a memorial of

God's creative power, points to Him as the

Maker of the heavens and the earth. Hence

it is a constant witness to His existence and

a reminder of His greatness, His wisdom,

and

HIS

love. Had the Sabbath always been

sacredly observed, there could never have

been an atheist or an idolater."—Patriarchs

and Prophets,

page 336.

How specifically are the bounds

of the Sabbath defined? Mark 1:21,

32; Luke 4:31, 40. Compare Lev. 23:

32, last part; Neh. 13:19.

NoTE.—"All through the week we are to

have the Sabbath in mind and be making

preparation to keep it according to the

commandment."—Testimonies,

vol. 6, p.

353.

"When the Sabbath commences, we should

place a guard upon ourselves, upon our

acts and our words, lest we rob -God by

appropriating to our own use that time

which is strictly the

Lord's."—Testimonies,

vol.

2, p. 702.

In view of His participation in

the work of creation, what claim was

Jesus also justified in making? Mark

2:28.

NoTE.—"It belongs to Christ. For 'all

things were made by Him; and without

Him was not anything made that was made'

John 1:3. Since He made all things, He

made the Sabbath. By Him it was set

apart as a memorial of the work of crea-

tion. It points to Him as both the Creator

and the Sanctifier."—The

Desire of Ages,

page 288.

Universality and Perpetuity

of the Sabbath

For whom was the Sabbath

made? Mark 2:27.

NoTE.—"In Eden, God set up the memo-

rial of His work of creation, in placing His

blessing upon the seventh day. The Sab-

bath was committed to Adam, the father

and representative of the whole human

family. Its observance was to be an act of

grateful acknowledgment, on the part of

all who should dwell upon the earth, that

God was their Creator and their rightful

Sovereign; that they were the work of His

hands and the subjects of His authority."

—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 48.

" 'The Lord made.' It is significant that

Christ Himself, as Creator (John 1:1-3),

rested upon the world's first Sabbath day.

. . . Those who are re-created in His like-

ness (Eph. 4:24) will choose to follow His

example in this as in other matters (1 Pe-

ter 2:21). . . . The Sabbath was made for

man (Mark 2:27), to satisfy a need that

was originally spiritual, but which, with

the entrance of sin, became physical as well

(see Gen. 3

:17-19)."—The Seventh-day Ad-

ventist Bible Commentary,

on Ex. 20:11.

'How was the universality of the

Sabbath emphasized? Ex. 20:10, last

part; 23:12; Isa. 56:6, 7.

How do we know that the Sab-

bath antedated Sinai? Gen. 2:1-3; Ex.

16:23-26.

NorE.—"God's sanctifying the day is

equivalent to His commanding men to sanc-

tify it. As at the close of the creation the

seventh day was thus set apart by the Most

High for such purposes, without limitation

to age or country, the observance of it is

[ 20

obligatory upon the whole human race.

. . . The sanctification of the seventh day

in the present case, can only be understood

of its being set apart to the special worship

and service of God."—G. Bush,

Notes on

Genesis, vol. 1,

pp. 47-49.

"The Sabbath is not introduced as a new

institution but as having been founded at

creation. It is to be remembered and ob-

served as the memorial of the Creator's

work."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 307.

What convincing evidence have

we that the Sabbath would continue

to be obligatory in the Christian Era?

Matt. 24:20.

NOTE.—" 'Sabbath day.' Forty years

after the resurrection the Sabbath would be

as sacred as it was when Jesus spoke these

words on the slopes of Olivet. He intimates

no change in the sacredness of the day such

as many Christians now suppose took place

when He came forth from the tomb. The

commotion, excitement, fear, arid travel

incident to flight from Jerusalem would be

inappropriate on the Sabbath day. Chris-

tians were to pray that, they might be able

to keep the Sabbath as a day of rest, as

God intended it should be kept. Christ did

not abolish the Sabbath when He was

nailed to the cross. It has lost none of the

sacredness God originally imparted to it."

—The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Com-

mentary,

on Matt. 24:20.

A Sign of Allegiance

Of what was the Sabbath de-

clared to be a sign? Ex. 31:13; Ezek.

20:12, 20.

NOTE.—"Pointing to God as the Maker

of the heavens and the earth, it distinguishes

the true God from all false gods. All who

keep the seventh day, signify by this act

that they are worshipers of Jehovah. Thus

the Sabbath is the sign of man's allegiance

to God as long as there are any upon the

earth to serve

Him."—Patriarchs and Proph-

ets,

page 307.

10.

What is forbidden on the Sab-

bath day, and why? Ex. 31:14, 15.

NotE.—"The law forbids secular labor on

the rest day of the Lord; the toil that

gains a livelihood must cease; no labor for

worldly pleasure or profit is lawful upon

that day; but as God ceased His labor of

creating, and rested upon the Sabbath and

blessed it, so man is to leave the occupa-

tions of his daily life, and devote those

sacred hours to- healthful rest, to worship,

and to holy deeds."—The-

Desire of Ages,

page 207.

"Those who discuss business matters or

lay plans on the Sabbath are regarded by

God as though engaged in the actual trans-

action of business. To keep the Sabbath

holy, we should not even allow our minds

to dwell upon things of a worldly charac-

ter."—Patriarchs

and Prophets,

page 307.

11.

How is the time of the Sabbath

to be used? Lev. 23:3, first part; Luke

4:16.

12.

What works are commendable

on the Sabbath day? Matt. 12:10-12.

NoTE.—"Nature must continue her- un-

varying course. God could not for a mo-

ment stay His hand, or man would faint

and die. And man also has a work to per-

form on this day. The necessities of life

must be attended to, the sick must be cared

for, the wants of the needy must be sup-

plied. He will not be held guiltless who

neglects to relieve suffering on the Sabbath.

God's holy rest day was made for man, and

acts of mercy are in perfect harmony with

its intent. God does not desire His crea-

tures to suffer an hour's pain that may be

relieved upon the Sabbath or any other

day."—The Desire of Ages,

page 207.

13.

What is promised to those who

rightly observe the Sabbath? Isa. 58:

13, 14.

NoTE.—"All heaven was represented to

me as beholding and watching upon the

Sabbath those who acknowledge the claims

of the fourth commandment and are ob-

serving the Sabbath. Angels were marking

their interest in, and high regard for, this

f21

divine institution. Those who sanctified the

Lord God in their hearts by a strictly de-

votional frame of mind, and who sought

to improve the sacred hours in keeping

the Sabbath to the best of their ability,

and to honor God by calling the Sabbath a

delight—these the angels were specially

blessing with light and health, and special

strength was given

them."—Testimonies,

vol.

2, pp. 704, 705.

14. In what special way will God's

creative work continue to be remem-

bered? Isa. 66:23.

NOTE.—"When there shall be a 'restitu-

tion of all things, which God hath spoken

by the mouth of all His holy prophets since

the world began' (Acts 3:21), the creation

Sabbath, the day on which Jesus lay at

rest in Joseph's tomb, will still be a day of

rest and rejoicing. Heaven and earth will

unite in praise, as 'from one Sabbath to an-

other' (Isa. 66:23) the nations of the saved

shall bow in joyful worship to God and the

Lamb."—The

Desire of Ages,

pages 769, 770.

Lesson 7, for August 13, 1960

Parents and Children

MEMORY VERSE:

"Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment

with promise; that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the

earth." Eph. 6:2, 3.

STUDY HELPS:

"Christ's Object Lessons," 1941 ed., pp. 198-211 (1923 ed., pp. 201-

213); "Messages to Young People," pages 325-340; Taylor G. Bunch, "The

Ten Commandments," pages 91-109; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Com-

mentary," on Scripture references; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of

July 28.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey.

❑

Sunday: Questions 1-4.

❑

Monday: Questions 5-7.

❑

Tuesday: Questions 8, 9; begin

reading from Study Helps.

❑

Check Here

Wednesday: Questions 10-12; read

further from Study Helps.



❑

Thursday: Questions 13, 14; finish

reading from Study Helps.



Friday: Review entire lesson.



Lesson Outline:

I. Parental Responsibility

The institution of the family estab-

lished in Eden. Gen. 2:20-24; 5:3-5.

Material and spiritual obligation of

parents. 1 Tim. 5:8; Deut. 6:3-7;

Eph. 6:4.

II. Children's Debt to Parents

Commanded to honor. Ex. 20:12.

Enjoined to love parents. Prov.

23:26.

Jesus was subject to parents. Luke

2:51, 52.

122

Jesus emphasized the fifth com-

mandment. Matt. 19:19, first part;

15:4-6.

Paul emphasized obedience to par-

ents. Eph. 6:1; Col. 3 :20.

Rewards of Obedience

Commandment of promise. Eph.

6:2, 3.

Obedience rewarded with life and

health. Prov. 4:20-22 ; 3:1, 2.

IV. Children Bring Blessing or Sorrow

10.

Godly children bring joy to par-

ents. Prov. 23:24, 25; 29:17.

11.

Wayward children bring heartache.

Luke 15:11-13.

12.

Return of the prodigal causes joy.

Luke 15:17-24.

V. Last-Day Sign and Promise

13.

Disobedience to parents a last-day

sign. 2 Tim. 3:1-3 ; Mark 13:12.

14.

God's promise to save children.

Isa. 49:25.

THE LESSON

Parental Responsibility



Children's Debt to Parents

What institution besides the Sab-

bath was established in the begin-

ning? How did God complete the

first family circle? Gen. 2:20-24; 5:3-5.

NorE.—"The heart of the community, of

the church, and of the nation is the house-

hold. The well-being of society, the success

of the church, the prosperity of the nation,

depend upon home influences."—The

Min-

istry of Healing,

page 349.

"God designs that the families of earth

shall be a symbol of the family in heaven.

Christian homes, established and conducted

in accordance with God's plan, are among

His most effective agencies for the forma-

tion of Christian character and for the ad-

vancement of His

work."—Testimonies,

vol.

6, p. 430.

What responsibilities devolve

upon parents? 1 Tim. 5:8; Deut. 6:

3-7; Eph. 6:4.

NOTE.—"The family circle is the school in

which the child receives its first and most

enduring lessons. Hence parents should be

much at home. By precept and example,

they should teach their children the love

and the fear of God; teach them to be in-

telligent, social, affectionate, to cultivate

habits of industry, economy, and self-

denial."—Fundamentals of Christian Edu-

cation,

page 65.

"To a great extent, parents hold in their

own hands the future happiness of their

children. Upon them rests the important

work of forming the character of these

children. The instructions given in child-

hood will follow them all through life."—

Testimonies, vol.

1, p. 393.

What corresponding debt do

children owe their parents? Ex. 20:12.

NoTE.—"Parents are entitled to a degree

of love and respect which is due to no other

person. God Himself, who has placed upon

them a responsibility for the souls com-

mitted to their charge, has ordained that

during the earlier years of life, parents shall

stand in the place of God to their children.

And he who rejects the rightful authority of

his parents is rejecting the authority of

God."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 308.

"One of the first lessons a child needs to

learn is the lesson of obedience. Before he

is old enough to reason, he may be taught

to obey. By gentle, persistent effort, the

habit should be established. Thus, to a

great degree, may be prevented those later

conflicts between will and authority that

do so much to create alienation and bitter-

ness toward parents and teachers, and too

often resistance of all authority, human

and

divine."—Education,

page 287.

What counsel should a son heed?

Prov. 23:26.

NoTE.—"The fifth commandment re-

quires children not only to yield respect,

submission, and obedience to their pafents,

but also to give them love and tenderness,

to lighten their cares, to guard their repu-

tation, and to succor and comfort them in

old

age."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page

308.

What example of filial devotion

did Jesus set? Luke 2:51, 52.

[23

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CHRIST'S

CHARACTER

As parents, do we live a life

our

children can honor?

NOTE.—"Jesus

is our example. There are

many who dwell with interest upon the

period of His public ministry, while they

pass unnoticed the teaching of His early

years. But it is in His home life that He is

the pattern for all children and youth. . . .

And every youth who follows Christ's ex-

ample of faithfulness and obedience in His

lowly home may claim those words spoken

of Him by the Father through the Holy

Spirit, 'Behold My Servant, whom I uphold;

Mine Elect, in whom My soul delighteth.' "

—The Desire of Ages,

page 74.

What emphasis did Jesus place

upon the fifth commandment? Matt.

19:19, first part; 15:4-6.

NOTE.—"Christ does not lessen the claims

of the law. In unmistakable language He

presents obedience to it as the condition of

eternal life—the same condition that was

required of Adam before his fall. The Lord

expects no less of the soul now than He ex-

pected of man in Paradise, perfect obedi-

ence, unblemished righteousness. The re-

quirement under the covenant of grace is

just as broad as the requirement made in

Eden—harmony with God's law, which is

holy, just, and

good."—Christ's Object Les-

sons,

1941 ed., p. 391.

In what language does Paul stress

its continued obligation? Eph. 6:1;

Col. 3:20.

Rewards of Obedience

In what is the fifth command-

ment unique? Eph. 6:2, 3.

NOTE.—"This

is not a subject unworthy

of notice, but a matter of vital importance.

The promise is upon condition of obedience.

If you obey you shall live long in the land

which the Lord your God gives you. If

you disobey you shall not prolong your

life in' that

land."—Testimonies,

vol. 2, pp.

80, 81.

;`.`Children Who

dishonor and clisabeY their

parents, and disregard their advice and iii-

structions, can have no part in the earth

made new. The purified new earth will be

no place for the rebellious, the disobedient,

the ungrateful, son or daughter. Unless

such learn obedience and submission here,

they will never learn it; the peace of the

ransomed will not be marred by disobedi-

ent, unruly, unsubmissive

children."—Tes-

timonies,

vol. 1, pp. 497, 498.

What rewards does the com-

mandment bring with it? Prov. 4:20-

22; 3:1, 2.

NOTE.—"Our youth profess to be among

those who keep the commandments of

God, and yet many of them neglect and

break the fifth commandment; and the

rich blessing promised to those who observe

this precept, and honor father and mother,

cannot be fulfilled to

them."—Messages to

Young People,

page 331.

Children Bring Blessing or Sorrow

10.

How does filial devotion en-

rich the life of parents? Prov. 23:24,

25; 29:17.

NOTE.—"If your children come forth from

the home training pure and virtuous, if they

fill the least and lowest place in. God's great

plan of good for the world, your life can

never be called a failure and can never be

reviewed with

remorse."—Testimonies, vol.

p. 44.

"When the judgment shall sit, and the

books shall be opened; when the 'well done'

of the great Judge is pronounced, and the

crown of immortal glory is placed upon the

brow of the victor, many will raise their

crowns in sight of the assembled universe

and, pointing to their mother, say, 'She

made me all I am through the grace of

God. Her instruction, her prayers, have

been blessed to my eternal salvation'

"—

Messages to Young People,

page 330.

11.

What sorrow will the wayward

child bring? Luke 15:11-13. See also

Prov. 17:25.

NoTE.—"Little did the gay, thoughtless

youth, as he went out from his father's

gate, dream of the ache and longing left in

that father's heart. When he danced and

feasted with his wild companions, little did

he think of the shadow that had fallen on

his

home."—Christ's Object Lessons,

page

203.

"Many fathers and mothers have gone

down brokenhearted to the grave because

of the ingratitude, the lack of respect,

shown them by their

children."—Messages

to Young People,

page

332.

12.

In what spirit did the father re-

ceive back the prodigal son? Luke 15:

17-24.

NoTE.—"In the parable there is no taunt-

ing, no casting up to the prodigal of his evil

course. The son feels that the past is for-

given and forgotten, blotted out forever.

And so God says to the sinner, 'I have

blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgres-

sions, and, as a cloud, thy sins.' Isa. 44:22.

I will forgive, their iniquity, and I will re-

member their sin no more' Jer. 31:34...

What assurance here, of God's willingness

to receive the repenting

sinner!"—Christ's

Object Lessons,

pages 204, 205.

Last-Day Sign and Promise

13.

What will be prominent among

the sins of the last days, and what

tragic consequences will result? 2

Tim. 3:1-3; Mark 13:12.

NOTE.—"Perhaps

no sign of the present

time is more sad than the prevalence of

disobedience on the part of children to par-

ents during the days of childhood, and lack

of reverence and respect when once the

restraints of home have been left behind."

—G. Campbell Morgan,

The Ten Com-

mandments,

page 62.

14.

When the church is faced with

this menace, what comforting prom-

ise may godly parents claim? Isa.

49:25.

NcrrE.—" 'I will save' The answer is em-

phatic—God can save and will save. His

people have nothing to fear. They are not

to focus their attention on the strength of

those who oppress them, but on the might

of their Great Deliverer.

"'Thy children.' That is, Zion's children

(see vs. 14-22). Here Isaiah refers specifi-

cally to the Hebrew exiles scattered in for-

eign lands. In common Hebrew usage

'children,' literally, 'sons,' is synonymous

with 'descendants.' . . . It is the privilege

of parents today to claim for their chil-

dren the promise here made to ancient Is-

rael, for our little ones are objects of di-

vine love."—The

Seventh-day Adventist

Bible Commentary,

on Isaiah 49:25.

SABBATH SCHOOL LESSONS IN BRAILLE

The senior Sabbath school lessons, slightly condensed, are

published each

quarter in Braille, and they are supplied free -

to the blind upon request. Address: The Christian Record Benevo

lent Association, Box 66, Lincoln 6, Nebraska.

[

25.1

Lesson 8, for August 20, 1960

The Gift of Life

MEMORY VERSE:

"Whosoever hateth his brother is

murderer: and ye know that

no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him." 1 John 3:15.

STUDY HELPS:

"Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 74-77; "The Acts of the Apostles,"

pages 568-577; "Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing," 1956 ed., pp. 55-58

(1943 ed., pp. 87-90); Taylor G. Bunch, "The Ten Commandments," pages 110-

119; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on Scripture references;

Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of August 4.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey.

❑

Sunday: Questions 1, 2; begin

reading from Study Helps.



❑

Monday: Questions 3-7.



❑

Tuesday: Questions 8-10.

Check

Here

Wednesday: Questions

11-14;

read

further from Study Helps.



Thursday: Read from Study Helps.

Friday: Review entire lesson.

Lesson Outline:

I. A Sacred Gift

Life comes from God. Gen. 2:7.

"Thou shalt not kill." Ex. 20:13.

II. Murder and Its Motive

Cain the first murderer. Gen.

4:8-10.

Hatred the motive of Cain's sin.

Gen. 4:5, 8; 1 John 3:12.

Conspiracy and murder. 2 Kings

21:23, 24.

The Lord abhors murder. Ps. 5:6,

last part; Prov. 6:16, 17.

Hatred same as murder. Matt.

5:21, 22; 1 John 3:15.

III. God's People Persecuted

Many ill-treated and killed. Heb.

11:36-38; Matt. 24:9.

Persecutors to receive double pun-

ishment. Rev. 18:6, 24; Matt.

23:34-36.

10.

Spirit of hatred to be manifested.

Luke 21:9, 10; Rev. 13:15 ; Matt.

24:9, 10.

11.

God's people do not resist. Matt.

5:38, 39.

12.

Persecutors' ultimate fate. 1 John

3:15; Rev. 21:8.

13.

Way of escape for sinners. Matt.

12:31; Mark 4:12, last half;

1 John 1:9.

14.

Vengeance belongs with the Lord.

Rom. 12:19; Matt. 5:11, 12.

THE LESSON

A Sacred Gift

1. To whom does man owe the gift

of life? Gen. 2:7.

NOTE.

"Life

is mysterious and sacred.

the manifestation of God Himself, the

source of all

life."-The Ministry of Heal-

ing,

page 397.

"In the creation of man was manifest the

agency of a personal God. When God had

made man in His image, the human form

was perfect in all its arrangements, but it

was without life. Then a personal, self-

existing God breathed into that form the

breath of life, and man became a. liv-

ing, intelligent being. . . . Through Christ

the Word, a personal God created man,

and endowed him with intelligence and

power. . . .

[26]

"Above all lower orders of being, God

designed that man, the crowning work of

His creation, should express His thought

and reveal His

glory."—Ibid.,

p. 415.

What prohibition does the sixth

commandment enjoin? Ex. 20:13.

NoTE.—"Life may be taken accidentally,

or in self-defense, or even in shocking care-

lessness, all which is homicide, but not mur-

der. To constitute murder, life must be

taken evilly and willfully. There must be

present in the act personal feeling, hate, or

revenge, or covetousness. It is this personal

feeling which makes murder awful, and

which sends a thrill of horror through the

land as the national conscience is con-

fronted with the hideous sin."—W. Senior,

God's Ten Words,

page 219.

Murder and Its Motive

Under what circumstances was

this law first transgressed? Gen. 4:

8-10.

NOTE.—"When Cain, moved by the spirit

of the wicked one, saw that he could not

control Abel, he was so enraged that he

destroyed his life. And wherever there are

any who will stand in vindication of the

righteousness of the law of God, the same

spirit will be manifested against them. It is

the spirit that through all the ages has set

up the stake and kindled the burning pile

for the disciples of

Christ."—Patriarchs and

Prophets,

page 77.

What was the motive for Cain's

sin? Gen. 4:5, 8; 1 John 3:12.

NoTE.—"Cain hated and killed his

brother, not for any wrong that Abel had

done, but 'because his own works were

evil, and his brother's righteous.' 1 John

3:12. So in all ages the wicked have hated

those who were better than themselves."—

Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 74.

For what other reason has man

sought to destroy his fellow man? 2

Kings 21:23, 24.

What divine condemnation does

the murderer incur? Ps. 5:6, last part;

Prov. 6:16, 17.

NOTE.—" 'Abhor.' God holds sin' in such

abomination that He cannot overlook its

presence in the sinner. Those whom God

abhors are literally 'men of bloods and de-

ceit.' The plural form 'bloods' refers to

bloodguiltiness or murder (see Gen. 4:10)."

—The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Com-

mentary,

on Ps. 5:6.

How may the sixth command-

ment be broken without actually tak-

ing the life of another? Matt. 5:21,

22; 1 John 3:15.

NoTE.—"Our Lord makes plain the very

spirit of the law, and so confronts the true

spirit within us by teaching that there may

be murder without any killing, or wound,

or even blow. He carries it down from the

deed of the hand to the feeling of the

heart: . . . passion, hate, malice, covetous-

ness, ill temper. . . . In the sight of the

Searcher of hearts, all evil anger, malicious

feeling, and unforgiving temper is the spirit

of murder."—W. Senior,

God's Ten Words,

page 232.

"All acts of injustice that tend to shorten

life; the spirit of hatred and revenge, or

the indulgence of any passion that leads to

injurious acts toward others, or causes us

even to wish them harm (for 'whoso hateth

his brother is a murderer') ; a selfish neglect

of caring for the needy or suffering; all self-

indulgence or unnecessary deprivation or

excessive labor that tends to injure health

—all these are, to a greater or less degree,

violations of the sixth commandment."—

Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 308.

God's People Persecuted

What have the people of God

sometimes suffered for their faith?

Heb. 11:36-38; Matt. 24:9.

NoTE.—"In all ages God's appointed wit-

nesses have exposed themselves to reproach

and persecution for the truth's sake. Joseph

t27

The sacredness of life vanishes in the crime

„tee



features of our oge.

was maligned and persecuted because he

preserved his virtue and integrity. David,

the chosen messenger of God, was hunted

like a beast of prey by his enemies. Daniel

was cast into a den of lions because he was

true to his allegiance to heaven. Job was

deprived of his worldly possessions, and so

afflicted in body that he was abhorred by

his relatives and friends; yet he maintained

his integrity. Jeremiah could not be deterred

from speaking the words that God had

given him to speak; and his testimony so

enraged the king and princes that he was

cast into a loathsome pit. Stephen was

stoned because he preached Christ and Him

crucified. Paul was imprisoned, beaten

with rods, stoned, and finally put to death

because he was a faithful messenger for

God to the Gentiles. And John was ban-

ished to the Isle of Patmos 'for the word of

God, and for the testimony of Jesus

Christ.'

"—The Acts of the Apostles,

page

575.

How will the bloodguiltiness of

the persecutors recoil upon their own

heads? Rev. 18;6, 24; Matt. 23:34-36.

NoTE.—"Not long hence they will stand

before the Judge of all the earth, to render

an account for the pain they have caused

to the bodies and souls of His heritage.

. . . They may consign His believing ones

to prison, to the chain gang, to banishment,

to death; but for every pang of anguish,

every tear shed, they must answer. God

will reward them double for their sins."—

Christ's Object Lessons,

pages 178, 179.

10.

In what ways will the spirit of

evil manifest itself in the last days?

Luke 21:9, 10; Rev. 13:15; Matt. 24:

9, 10. Compare Gen. 6:11.

NOTE.—"The

remnant church will be

brought into great trial and distress. Those

who keep the commandments of God and

the faith of Jesus will feel the ire of the

dragon and his hosts. Satan numbers the

world as his subjects, he has gained control

of the apostate churches; but here is a lit-

tle company that are resisting his suprem-

acy. If he could blot them from the earth,

his triumph would be complete. As he

influenced the heathen nations to destroy Is-

rael, so in the near future he will stir up

the wicked powers of earth to destroy the

people of

God."—Testimonies,

vol. 9, p. 231.

11.

How will God's people deport

themselves under persecution? Matt.

5:38, 39.

NoTE.—"Satan's attacks against the ad-

vocates of the truth will wax more bitter

and determined to the very close of time.

. . . The people will be led to acts of vio-

lence and opposition.. .

"What course shall the advocates of truth

pursue? They have the unchangeable, eter-

nal word of God, and they should reveal

the fact that they have the truth as it is in

Jesus. Their words must not be rugged and

sharp. In their presentation of truth they

must manifest the love and meekness and

gentleness of Christ. Let the truth do the

cutting; the word of God is as a sharp, two-

edged sword and will cut its way to the

heart."—Testimonies,

vol. 9, p. 239.

12.

What will be the ultimate fate

of the persecutors? 1 John 3:15; Rev.

21:8.

NOTE —"The spirit of hatred and revenge

originated with Satan, and it led him to put

to death the Son of God. Whoever cherishes

malice or unkindness is cherishing the same

spirit, and its fruit will be unto death. In

[28]

the revengeful thought the evil deed lies

enfolded, as the plant in the seed. 'Whoso-

ever hateth his brother is a murderer: and

ye know that no murderer hath eternal life

abiding in

him' "—Thoughts From the

Mount of Blessing,

1956 ed., p. 56.

13. What way of escaping this fear-,

ful fate is held out to the sinner? Matt.

12:31; Mark 4:12, last half; 1 John 1:9.

NorE.—"The humble and broken heart,

subdued by genuine repentance, will ap-

preciate something of the love of God and

the cost of Calvary; and as a son con-

fesses to a loving father, so will the truly

penitent bring all his sins before God. And

it is written, `If we confess our sins, He is

faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and

to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.' "

—Steps to Christ,

1956 and pocket eds.,

p. 41.

14. What assurance does God

give

to His suffering people? Rom. 12:19;

Matt. 5:11, 12.

NorE.—"From garrets, from hovels, from

dungeons, from scaffolds, from mountains

and deserts, from the caves of the earth and

the caverns of the sea, Christ will gather

His children to Himself. On earth they

have been destitute, afflicted, and tor-

mented. Millions have gone down to the

grave loaded with infamy because they re-

fused to yield to the deceptive claims of

Satan. By human tribunals the children

of God have been adjudged the vilest of

criminals. But the day is near when 'God

is judge Himself.' Ps. 50:6. Then the de-

cisions of earth shall be reversed. 'The re-

buke of His people shall He take away.'

Isa.

25:8."—Christ's Object Lessons,

pages

179, 180.

Lesson 9, for August 27, 1960

Pure in Heart and Life

MEMORY VERSE:

"Blessed are the pure

heart: for they shall see God." Matt. 5:8.

STUDY HELPS:

"Thoughts From

the Mount of Blessing," 1956 ed., pp. 59, 60 (1943

ed., pp. 93, 94); Taylor G. Bunch, "The Ten Commandments," pages 120-134;

"The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on Scripture references;

Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of August 11.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here

Check

Here

Sabbath afternoon: General

survey.

❑

Wednesday: Questions 10-13.

❑

Sunday: Questions 1-3.

❑

Thursday: Read Study Helps.

❑

Monday: Questions 4-6.

❑

Friday: Review entire lesson.

❑

Tuesday: Questions 7-9.

❑

Lesson Outline:

II. Secret of Stability

I. A Sacred Relationship

Marriage relationship ordained

God. Matt. 19:4-6.

Seventh commandment a safe-

guard. Ex. 20 : 14.

The inevitability of life's harvest.

Gal. 6:7, 8; 1 Cor. 15:33.

29 ]

Disregard of God is cause of

instability. Rom. 1:28, 29.

Hatred of sin stabilizing influence.

Gen. 39:9, last

part.

God is our sufficiency. 2 Peter

2:9, first part; Col. 3:5 ; 1 Thess.

4:3-5.

Ill. Temple of God's Spirit

Body, the temple of Holy Ghost.

1 Cor. 6:15, 19, 20.

The saints' goal is holiness.

1 Thess. 4:7.

IV. Every Thought in Captivity

Seventh commandment forbids

sensual thoughts. Matt. 5:28.

10.

Fix minds on the holy and pure.

Phil. 4:8.

11.

Possible through Christ. 2 Cor.

10:4, 5.

V. The Pure Remnant

12.

The righteous referred to as

"virgins." Rev. 14:1, 4.

13.

The pure in heart will see God.

Matt. 5:8.

THE LESSON

NOTE.—"He who has once yielded to

temptation will yield more readily the sec-

ond time. Every repetition of the sin les-

sens his power of resistance, blinds his eyes,

and stifles conviction. Every seed of indul-

gence sown will bear fruit. God works no

miracle to prevent the

harvest."—Patri-

archs and Prophets,

page 268.

A Sacred Relationship

1. What relationship did God or-

dain in the creation of our first par-

ents? Matt. 19:4-6. See also Gen. 2:

20-24.

NoTE.—"God celebrated the first mar-

riage. Thus the institution has for its origi-

nator the Creator of the universe. . . .

When the divine principles are recognized

and obeyed in this relation, marriage is a

blessing; it guards the purity and happiness

of the race, it provides for man's social

needs, it elevates the physical, the intellec-

tual, and the moral

nature."—Patriarchs

and Prophets,

page 46.

How is family life safeguarded

in the seventh commandment? Ex.

20:14.

NoTE.—"The command is a simple, un-

qualified, irrevocable negative. 'Thou shalt

not!' No argument is used, no reason given,

because none is required. The sin is of so

destructive and damning a nature that it is

in itself sufficient cause for the stern for-

bidding. . . . A sevenfold vice is this sin

of unchaste conduct, being sin against the

individual, the family, society, the nation,

the race, the universe, and God."—G.

Campbell Morgan,

The Ten Command-

ments,

page 78.

What law inexorably operates in

the life of man? Gal. 6:7, 8; 1 Cor.

15:33.

Secret of Stability

To what may sensuality ulti-

mately be traced? Rom. 1:28, 29.

NOTE.—"Let the mind be directed to high

and holy ideals, let the life have a noble

aim, an absorbing purpose, and evil finds

little foothold. Let the youth, then, be

taught to give close study to the word of

God. Received into the soul, it will prove

a mighty barricade against temptation."—

Education,

page 190.

What was the stabilizing princi-

ple in the life of Joseph? Gen. 39:9,

last part.

Non.—"Joseph's answer reveals the

power of religious principle. He would not

betray the confidence of his master on

earth, and, whatever the consequences, he

would be true to his Master in heaven.

Under the inspecting eye of God and holy

angels many take liberties of which they

would not be guilty in the presence of their

fellow men, but Joseph's first thought was

of God. 'How can I do this great wicked-

ness, and sin against God ?' he said."—

Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 217.

[30]

Q's

The test of keeping the seventh commandment

begins in the mind.

060

'6. By what power may the sinner

be delivered from temptation? 2 Pe-

ter 2:9, first part; Col. 3:5; 1 Thess.

4:3-5.

NorE.—"If you draw close to Jesus and

seek to adorn your profession by a well-

ordered life and godly conversation, your

feet will be kept from straying into for-

bidden paths. If you will only watch, con-

tinually watch unto prayer, if you will do

everything as if you were in the immediate

presence of God, you will be saved from

yielding to temptation, and may hope to

be kept pure, spotless, and undefiled till

the last. . . . If Christ be within us, we

shall crucify the flesh with the affections

and

lusts."—Testimonies, vol.

5, p. 148.

Temple of God's Spirit

Why are sins against the body

so extremely wicked? What do we

owe God? 1 Cor. 6:15, 19, 20.

NOTE.—"Is

it true that all the powers of

our being, our bodies, our spirits, all that

we have, and all we are, belong to God? It

certainly is. And when we realize this, what

obligation does it lay us under to God to

preserve ourselves in that condition that

we may honor Him upon the earth in our

bodies and in our spirits which are His."—

Testimonies, vol.

2, p. 354.

What manner of life only is be-

coming to saints? 1 Thess. 4:7.

NoTE.—"Nothing but purity, sacred pu-

rity, will stand the grand review, abide the

day of God, and be received into a pure

and holy

heaven."—Testimonies,

vol. 2, p.

458.

Every Thought in Captivity

How wide an application did

Jesus give to the seventh command-

ment? Matt. 5:28.

NoTE.—"This commandment forbids not

only acts of impurity, but sensual thoughts

and desires, or any practice that tends to

excite them. Purity is demanded not only

in the outward life but in the secret in-

tents and emotions of the heart. Christ,

who taught the far-reaching obligation of

the law of God, declared the evil thought

or look to be as truly sin as is the unlawful

deed."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 308.

10.

What thoughts should possess

the mind of the believer? Phil. 4:8.

NOTE.—"It

is your duty to control your

thoughts. You will have to war against a

vain imagination. You may think that

there can be no sin in permitting your

thoughts to run as they naturally would

without restraint. But this is not so. You

are responsible to God for the indulgence of

vain thoughts; for from vain imaginations

arises the committal of sins, the actual do-

ing of those things upon which the mind

has dwelt."—T

estimonies, vol.

3, p. 82.

11.

By what means is control of

the thoughts made possible? 2 Cor.

10:4, 5.

NOTE.—"It is for you to yield up your

will to the will of Jesus Christ; and as you

do this, God will immediately take posses-

sion and work in you to will and to do of

His good pleasure. Your whole nature will

then be brought under the control of the

Spirit of Christ, and even your thoughts

will be subject to

Him."—Testimonies, vol.

514.

The Pure Remnant

12.

What figure is used symboli-

cally of the righteous? Rev. 14:1, 4.

13.

Who only will be permitted to

see God? Matt. 5:8.

NOTE.—"The Bible is an unerring guide.

It demands perfect purity in word, in

thought, and in action. Only virtuous and

spotless characters will be permitted to en-

ter the presence of a pure and holy God."

—Testimonies,

vol. 4, p. 312.

"The pure in heart live as in the visible

presence of God during the time He-appor-

tions them in this world. And they will

also see Him face to face in the future, im-

mortal state, as did Adam when he walked

and talked with God in

Eden."—Thoughts

From the Mount of Blessing,

1956 ed., p. 27.

Lesson 10, for September 3, 1960

Honesty in All Things

MEMORY VERSE:

"Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, work-

ing with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him

that needeth." Eph. 4:28.

STUDY HELPS:

"Counsels on Stewardship," pages 77-79, 142, 143; "Patriarchs and

Prophets," pages 525-529; Taylor G. Bunch, "The Ten Commandments," pages

135-147; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on Scripture refer-

ences; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of August 18.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey.

❑

Sunday: Questions 1, 2; begin

reading from Study Helps.



❑

Monday: Questions 3-5.



❑

Check Here

Tuesday: Questions 6-8.



❑

Wednesday: Questions 9-13.

Thursday: Read Study Helps.

Friday: Review entire lesson.

Lesson Outline:

I. The Right of Ownership

Ownership safeguarded by eighth

commandment. Ex. 20:15.

Wealth is reward for diligent

effort. Deut, 8 : 18.

II. Warnings and Admonitions

Exact only appointed portion.

Luke 3:12, 13.

Admonitions to employers and

employees. Lev. 19:13, 36; Titus

2:9, 10.

5. Dishonest practice in weights and

measures. Deut. 25:13-16; Amos

8:5, 6.

III. Repentance and Restoration

6. Restoration follows repentance.

Ezek. 33:15, 16; Luke 19:8, 9.

7. Giving

needy is antidote for

stealing. Eph. 4:28.

8. The Christian will set example of

good works. 1 Peter 2:12 ; 2 Cor.

8:21; 7:2.

IV. Robbing God

9. We may rob God in tithes and

offerings. Mal. 3:8.

l_22

10.

Results of honesty and dishonesty.

Mal. 3:8-10; Amos 8:5, 7.

V. Recompense and Reward

11.

God will take note in the judgment.

James

5:1-5

; Ezek. 7:19.

12.

Exploited ones to be patient.

James 5:7.

13.

God will provide for honest in

heart. Isa. 33:15, 16.

The Right of Ownership

1. By what commandment are the

legitimate rights of possession safe-

guarded? Ex. 20:15.

THE LESSON

will He

vindicate."—Testimonies to Minis-

ters,

page 360.

"Sin is sin,, whether committed by the

possessor of millions or by the beggar in

the streets. Those who secure property by

false representations are bringing condem-

nation on their souls. All that is obtained

by deceit and fraud will be only a curse to

the

receiver."—Testimonies,

vol. 4, p. 311.

4. Against what temptation are em-

ployers warned? What should all

workers render? Lev. 19:13, 36; Ti-

tus 2:9, 10.

NOTE.—"Both public and private sins are

included in this prohibition. The eighth

commandment condemns manstealing and

slave dealing, and forbids wars of conquest.

It condemns theft and robbery. It de-

mands strict integrity in the minutest de-

tails of the affairs of life. It forbids over-

reaching in trade, and requires the payment

of just debts or wages. It declares that

every attempt to advantage one's self by

the ignorance, weakness, or misfortune of

another is registered as fraud in the books

heaven."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page

309.

•

2. What reward for diligent effort

does God promise? Deut. 8:18.

NoTE.—"There is no sin in being rich if

riches are not acquired by injustice."—

Christ's Object Lessons,

page 266.

"All that we are and all that we have

are from God. Consciousness of this fact

keeps a man humble and enables him to

view the things of time in their true per-

spective."—The

Seventh-day Adventist Bi-

ble Commentary,

on Deut. 8:18.

Warnings and Admonitions

3. What counsel was given the tax-

gatherers in Christ's day? Luke 3:

12, 13.

NoTE.—"The

great and holy and merciful

God will never be in league with dishonest

practices; not

single touch of injustice

NOTE.—"Were the principles of God's

laws regarding the distribution of property

carried out in the world today, how dif-

ferent would be the condition of the people!

An observance of these principles would

prevent the terrible evils that in all ages

have resulted from the oppression of the

poor by the rich and the hatred of the rich

by the poor. While it might hinder the

amassing of great wealth, it would tend to

prevent the ignorance and degradation of

tens of thousands whose ill-paid servitude

is required for the building up of these

colossal fortunes. It would aid in bringing

a peaceful solution of problems that now

threaten to fill the world witlY

anarchy and

bloodshed."—Education, page 44.

"If a workman in the daily vocations of

life is unfaithful and slights his work, the

world will not judge incorrectly if they

estimate his standard in religion according

to his standard in

business."—Testimonies,

vol. 4, pp. 310, 311.

5. What forms of dishonesty have

been frequently used in the course of

buying and selling? Deut. 25:13-16;

Amos 8:5, 6.

NoTE.—"An

honest

man,

according to

Christ's measurement, is one who will

f 33 3

He who takes a man's character or robs him

of his good name is the worst of thieves.

manifest unbending integrity. Deceitful

weights and false balances, with which

many seek to advance their interests in the

world, are abomination in the sight of God.

Yet many who profess to keep the, com-

mandments of God are dealing with false

weights and false

balances."—Testimonies,

vol. 4, p. 310.

"It is neither the magnitude nor the seem-

ing insignificance of a business transaction

that makes it fair or unfair, honest or dis-

honest. By the least departure from recti-

tude we place ourselves on the enemy's

ground, and may go on, step by step, to

any length of injustice. A large proportion

of the Christian world flivorce religion from

their business. Thousa

tids of little tricks

and petty dishonesties are practiced in deal-

ing with their fellow men, which reveal the

true state of the heart, showing its corrup-

tion."—Ibid.7.

vol. 4, p. 337.

Repentance and Restoration

6. What course of action is re-

quired of a repentant thief? Ezek. 33:

15, 16; Luke 19:8, 9.

NorE.—"Every converted soul will, like

Zacchaeus, signalize the entrance of Christ

into his heart by an abandonment of the

unrighteous practices that have marked his

life. Like the chief publican, he will give

proof of his sincerity by making restitu-

tion. . . .

"If we have injured others through any

unjust business transaction, if we have

overreached in trade, or defrauded any

man, even though it be within the pale of

the law, we should confess our wrong, and

make restitution as far as lies in our power.

It is right for us to restore not only that

which we have taken, but all that it would

have accumulated if put to a right and wise

use during the time it has been in our pos-

session."—The

Desire of Ages,

page 556.

What antidote for stealing is

recommended? Eph. 4:28.

NoTE.—"There are many ways besides

the outright taking of the property of oth-

ers in which we may be guilty of this sin,

such as a dishonest or sharp business trans-

action. Hence Paul's command may apply

to professing Christians. Thieving takes

many insidious disguises, but in all cases it

is a violation of the basic commandment of

love to one's neighbor.

" 'Labour.' It may be debated whether

the stealing was a cause or a result of idle-

ness, but certainly work is the remedy. Paul

does not merely forbid an evil. If it is true

that 'nature abhors a vacuum,' it is equally

true that habits given up must be replaced

by others. . . . Idleness and theft tend to

go together, as do labor and honesty. . . .

"The making of money for its own sake

is not a Christian activity; the rewards of

honest labor are to be received and dis-

persed in the spirit of Christian stewardship.

The believer works in order that he may be

able to help others after having discharged

his obligation to society by supporting him-

self. Thus he lives in marked contrast with

the thief."—The

Seventh-day Adventist Bi-

ble Commentary,

on Eph. 4:28,

What example should the Chris-

tian set the unbeliever? 1 Peter 2:12;

2 Cor. 8:21; 7:2.

NOTE.—"When a man is indeed con-

nected with God, and is keeping His law in

truth, his life will reveal the fact; for all

his actions will be in harmony with the

teachings of Christ. He will not sell his

honor for gain. His principles are built

upon the sure foundation, and his conduct

in worldly matters is a transcript of his

34 ]

principles. Firm integrity shines forth as

gold amid the dross and rubbish of the

world."—Testimonies,

vol. 4, p. 310.

Robbing God

In what other way, besides abus-

ing the rights of fellow men, is the

eighth commandment broken? Mal.

3:8.

NorE.—"As a man deals with his fellow

men, so will he deal with God. He that is

unfaithful in the mammon of unrighteous-

ness, will never be entrusted with the true

riches. The children of God should not

fail to remember that in all their business

transactions they are being proved, weighed

in the balances of the sanctuary."—Testi-

monies,

vol. 4, p. 311.

10.

How are the results of honesty

and dishonesty in this matter set

forth? Mal. 3:8-10; Amos 8:5, 7.

NoTE.—"If all who profess to be follow-

ers of Christ were truly sanctified, their

means, instead of being spent for needless

and even hurtful indulgences, would be

turned into the Lord's treasury, and Chris-

tians would set an example of temperance,

self-denial, and self-sacrifice. Then they

would be the light of the world."—The

Great Controversy,

page 475.

"Those who selfishly spend the Lord's

gifts on themselves, leaving their needy

fellow creatures without aid and doing

nothing to advance God's work in the

world, dishonor their Maker. Robbery of

God is written opposite their names in the

books of

heaven."—Christ's Object Les-

sons,

page 266.

"God has made men his stewards. The

property which he has placed in their hands

is the means that he has provided for the

spread of the gospel. To those who prove

themselves faithful stewards he will com-

mit greater trusts. Saith the Lord, 'Them

that honor me I will honor.' 1 Samuel 2:

30. 'God loveth a cheerful giver,' and when

His people, with grateful hearts, bring their

gifts and offerings to Him, 'not grudgingly,

or of necessity,' His blessing will attend

them, as He has

promised."—Patriarchs and

Prophets,

page 529.

Recompense and Reward

11.

How will sinful exploitation

recoil upon the transgressors in the

last days? James 5:1-5; Ezek. 7:19.

NcrrE.—"Riches bring with them great

responsibilities. To obtain wealth by un-

just dealing, by overreaching in trade, by

oppressing the widow and the fatherless, or

by hoarding up riches and neglecting the

wants of the needy, will eventually bring

the just retribution described by the in-

spired apostle: 'Go to now, ye rich men,

weep and howl for your miseries that shall

come upon you. Your riches are corrupted,

and your garments are moth-eaten. Your

gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of

them shall be a witness against you.'

"—

Testimonies, vol.

2, p. 682.

12.

How does God counsel and en-

courage the exploited ones? James 5:7.

NorE.—"Belief in the near coming of the

Son of man in the clouds of heaven will not

cause the true Christian to become neglect-

ful and careless of the ordinary business of

life. The waiting ones who look for the

soon appearing of Christ will not be idle,

but diligent in business. Their work will

not be done carelessly and dishonestly, but

with fidelity, promptness, and thorough-

ness. . . . Their veracity, faithfulness, and

integrity are tested and proved in tem-

poral things. If they are faithful in that

which is least they will be faithful in much."

—Testimonies,

vol. 4, p. 309.

13.

What are the honest in heart

and life assured? Isa. 33:15, 16.

NoTE.—"Whatever crosses they have

been called to bear, whatever losses they

have sustained, whatever persecution they

have suffered, even to the loss of their tem-

poral life, the children of God are amply

recompensed. 'They shall see His face;

and His name shall be in their foreheads.'

Rev.

22:4."—Christ's Object Lessons,

page

180.

[ 35 ]

Lesson 11, for September 10, 1960

Truthful Lips

MEMORY VERSE:

"Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly

are His delight." Prov. 12:22.

STUDY HELPS:

Taylor G. Bunch, "The Ten Commandments," pages 148-161; "The

Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on Scripture references; Lesson

Help in "Review and Herald" of August 25.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey.

❑

Wednesday: Questions 12-14.

❑

Sunday: Questions 1-3.

❑

Thursday: Read Study Helps.

❑

Monday: Questions 4-6.

❑

Friday: Review entire lesson.

❑

Tuesday: Questions 7-11.

❑

Lesson Outline:

III.



Lips of the Righteous

I. The Use of the Tongue

The ninth precept forbids misrepre-

sentations. Ex. 20:16.

The tongue is to minister grace.

Eph. 4:29; Ps. 145:5-7, 11, 12;

37:30; Job 16:5.

Uncontrolled tongue capable of

great evil. James 3:5, 6, 9, 10.

II. Slander and Evilspeaking

Ninth commandment can be

broken by talebearing. Lev.

19:16; Ex. 23:1.

Flattery is condemned as false-

hood. Ps. 12:2 ; Prov. 26:28.

Lies for reasons of self-interest.

Ps. 34:13 ; Jer. 9:5.

All lies are evil and an abomination.

Jer. 9:3 ; Prov. 12 :22.

Should keep word even to own

hurt. Ps. 15:4, last part.

God's children will not lie. Isa.

63:8; Ps. 119:163.

10.

Man unaided cannot keep tongue.

James 3:7, 8 ; Ps. 141:3.

11.

Out of abundance of heart the

mouth speaketh. Matt. 12:34, 35;

Ps. 51:6.

IV. Deceivers of the Last Days

12.

Forms of falsehood prevalent in

last days. 2 Tim. 3:3, 13 ; 1 Tim.

4:1, 2.

13.

No guile in mouths of remnant.

Rev. 14:5.

14.

The prayer of the righteous.

Ps. 19:14.

THE LESSON

der or talebearing. Even the intentional

suppression of truth, by which injury may

result to others, is a violation of the ninth

commandment."-Patriarchs

and Prophets,

page 309.

"This commandment may be transgressed

in a public manner by untruthful witness

borne in a court of law (ch. 23:1). Per-

jury has ever been considered a serious of-

fense against society, and has been punished

accordingly. In Athens a false witness was

heavily fined. If convicted thrice of this

[ 36 ]

The Use of the Tongue

1. Against what sin of the tongue

does the ninth commandment specifi-

cally warn? Ex. 20:16.

NoTE.-"This precept forbids every ef-

fort to injure our neighbor's reputation by

misrepresentation or evil surmising, by slan-

ILEN E EN ONE

SHOULD SPEAK

crime, he lost his civil rightS. In Rome a

law of the Twelve Tables sentenced the

transgressor to be hurled headlong from

the Tarpeian Rock. In Egypt the pe'nalty

was amputation of the nose and ears. . . .

"This commandment may also be broken

by those who remain silent when they hear

an innocent man unjustly maligned. It

can be broken by a shrug of the shoulder

or by an arching of the eyebrows. Whoever

tampers in any way with the exact truth,

in order to gain personal advantage or for

any other purpose, is guilty of bearing

`false witness.' The suppression of truth

that might result in injury to oneself or,

others—this too is bearing. 'false witness.' "

—The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Com-

mentary,

an Ex. 20:16.

2. In what worthy ways should the

tongue be employed? Eph. 4:29; Ps.

145:5-7, 11, 12; 37:30; Job. 16:5.

NOTE.—"The Lord desires us to make

mention of His goodness and tell of His

power. He is honored by the expression of

praise and thanksgiving."—Christ's

Object

Lessons,

page 298.

"Words of cheer and encouragement

spoken when the soul is sick and the pulse

of courage is low—these are regarded by..

the Saviour as if spoken to Himself. As

hearts are cheered, the heavenly angels

look on in pleased recognition."—The

Min-

istry of Healing,

page 159.

What harm may the tongue work

if uncontrolled? James 3:5, 6, 9, 10.

NorE.—"In one moment, by the hasty,

passionate, careless tongue, may be wrought

evil that a whole lifetime's repentance can-

not undo. Oh, the hearts that are broken,

the friends estranged, the lives wrecked, by

the harsh, hasty words of those who might

have brought help and healing

!"—Educa-

tion,

pages 236, 237.

Slander and Evilspeaking

In what seemingly innocent way

is this commandment often violated?

Lev. 19:16; Ex. 23:1.

NOTE.—"There

are some who, in order to

tear down or injure the reputation of an-

other, will, from sheer malice, fabricate

falsehoods concerning

them."—Testimonies,

vol. 4, p. 335.

"Closely allied to gossip is the covert in-

sinuation, the sly innuendo, by which the

unclean in heart seek to insinuate the evil

they dare not openly express. Every ap-

proach to these practices the youth should

be taught to shun as they would shun the

lel'irosy."—Education,

page 236.

What other form of falsehood is

condemned in the Scriptures? Ps. 12:

2; Prov. 26:28.

NoTE.—"Flattery is also a form of the

same sin. To say to another man concern-

ing him things which are not believed to be

true, which, indeed, are known to be un-

true, simply for the sake of pleasing him,

and paying tribute to his vanity, is to per-

jure the soul, and may be to imperil his

safety."—G. Campbell Morgan,

The Ten

Commandments,

page 103.

To what methods of speaking

and: dealing da. some resort for rea-

sons of self-interest? Ps.. 34:13; Jer.

9:5.

E 87 )

NOTE.—"Lies of self-interest are uttered

in buying and selling goods, cattle, or any

kind of merchandise. Lies of vanity are

uttered by men who love to appear what

they are not. A story cannot pass through

their hands without embellishment. Oh,

how much is done in the world which the

doers will one day wish to undo! But the

record of words and deeds in the books of

heaven will tell the sad story of falsehoods

spoken and

acted."—Testimonies,

vol. 4, p.

335.

"Falsehood virtually consists in an in-

tention to deceive; and this may be shown

by a look or a word. Even facts may be

so arranged and stated as to constitute

falsehoods."—Ibid.

Lips of the Righteous

How does God regard all false-

hood of the lips? Jer. 9:3; Prov. 12:22.

NOTE.—"Falsehood and deception of ev-

ery cast is sin against the God of truth and

verity. The word of God is plain upon

these points. . . . God is a God of sincerity

and truth. The word of God is a book of

truth. Jesus is a faithful and true witness.

The church is the witness and ground of

the truth. All the precepts of the Most

High are true and righteous altogether.

How, then, must prevarication and any

exaggeration or deception appear in His

sight

?"—Testimonies,

vol. 4, p. 336.

How should the keeping of one's

word be regarded even when it ap-

pears to be disadvantageous? Ps. 15:4,

last part.

NorE.—"An adherence to the strictest

principles of truth will frequently cause

present inconvenience and may even in-

volve temporal loss, but it will increase the

reward in the future

life."—Testimonies,

vol. 4, p. 337.

How will the children of God

not employ their tongues? What will

they hate? Isa. 63:8; Ps. 119:163.

NorE.—"Everything that Christians do

should be as transparent as the sunlight.

Truth is of God; deception, in every one

of its myriad forms, is of Satan; and who-

ever in any way departs from the straight

line of truth is betraying himself into the

power of the wicked

one."—Thoughts From

the Mount of Blessing,

1956 ed., p. 68.

10.

Can unaided man hope to keep

his tongue in the ways of truth? What

help, therefore, should we ask of the

Lord? James 3:7, 8; Ps. 141:3.

NorE.—"You have a work to do to con-

trol the tongue. It is a little member and

boasteth great things, but it needs the

bridle of grace and the bit of self-control

to keep it from running at random."—

Test/imonies, vol.

2, p. 316.

11.

What ultimately determines the

character of our speech? Matt. 12:34,

35; Ps. 51:6.

NOTE.—"When the mind is pure and the

thoughts ennobled by the truth of God, the

words will be of the same character, 'like

apples of gold in baskets of silver.'

"—

Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students,

page 443.

"We cannot speak the truth unless our

minds are continually guided by Him who

truth."—Thoughts From the Mount of

Blessing,

page 68.

Deceivers of the Last Days

12.

What forms of falsehood will be

particularly manifest in the last days?

2 Tim. 3:3, 13; 1 Tim. 4:1, 2.

NOTE.—"The teachers of deception dis-

seminate teachings that are inspired by

Satan and his co-workers. . . . Satan works

to control the minds of men, hence, the

importance of a sound intellectual grasp

of truth. . .

"Teachers of deception (v. I) may pre-

tend loyalty to truth while they 'spread

their 'doctrines of devils' (v. 1). Apostates

1383

often do not sail openly under the flag of

error and treason to the cause of Christ.

The teachers of deception trumpet loudly

their loyalty to the cause of truth, thus

better to delude men."—The

Seventh-day

Adventist Bible Commentary,

on 1 Tim.

4:1, 2.

13. What will characterize the lips

of the remnant in the last days? Rev.

14:5.

NOTE.-"

'Guile.' Gr.

dolos,

'deceit,'

`subtlety,' fraud,"guile.' Textual evidence

attests . . . the reading

pseudos,

'falsehood,'

`lie.' The gospel of Jesus Christ changes

sinful, erring man into one who has no

pretense, no make-believe, no deceit, no

sin."—The Seventh-day Adventist Bible

Commentary,

on Rev. 14:5.

14. What language may well be

the prayer of the soul? Ps.

19:14.

NOTE.-"

'Be acceptable.' The psalm

closes with a prayer that at once asks ac-

ceptance of the words and the thoughts

that the psalmist has uttered, and consti-

tutes his general petition for purity of word

and thought in the experiences of every day.

In the general aspect, the prayer is uni-

versal and as such is a model for all men."

—The Seventh-day Adventist Bible

COM-

mentary,

on Ps. 19:14.

Lesson 12, for September 17, 1960

Holy Contentment

MEMORY VERSE:

"And He said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness:

for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possess-

eth." Luke

12:15.

STUDY HELPS:

"Christ's Object Lessons," 1941 ed., 252-259 (1923 ed., pp. 253-

259); Taylor G. Bunch, "The Ten Commandments," pages 162-173; "The Sev-

enth-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on Scripture references; Lesson Help

in "Review and Herald" of September

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey.

❑

Wednesday: Questions 10-13.

❑

Sunday: Questions



1-3.

❑

Thursday: Read Study Helps.

❑

Monday: Questions 4-6.

❑

Friday: Review entire lesson.

❑

Tuesday: Questions 7-9.

❑

Lesson Outline:

I. How Covetousness Began

Command against covetousness.

Ex.

20:17.

Covetousness originated with

Lucifer. Isa. 14:12-14; Gen. 3:6.

Covetousness associated with fraud

and hypocrisy. Jer. 6:13; Acts

5:1-5; James 4:1-3.

II. Covetousness Is Idolatry

Where treasure is, there will heart

be. Matt. 6:19.

The apostle calls covetousness

idolatry. Col. 3:5, last part.

God abhors the covetous. Ps. 10:3.

III. True Estimate of Possessions

Christians to deny self. Matt.

16:24-26.

We are admonished to mortify

covetousness. Col. 3:5 ; Ps. 119:36.

We are to be content with what we

have. Heb. 13:5.

IV. Divine Remedy for Covetousness

10.

Covetousness one of last-day sins.

2 Tim. 3:1, 2.

11.

Systematic benevolence, God's

remedy for covetousness. Mal. 3 :10.

12.

All covetous excluded from heaven.

1. Cor. 6:9, 10.

13.

Promise to those who apply

remedy. Matt. 6:20, 21, 33.

THE LESSON

How Covetousness Began

How comprehensive is the com-

mand against covetousness? Ex. 20:17.